Supply control circuit and system arrangement, especially in vehicles

Abstract

Power supply control circuit, especially for vehicle lights, including: - a first supply connection (20) for a first supply potential (UBat) and a second supply connection (21) for a reference potential (GND); - a controllable DC / DC converter (100) with a control terminal (104) for a control signal to set a second supply potential (ULED+) to a first supply output (14, 103), wherein the second supply potential (U_LED+) is higher than the first supply potential (UBat); - at least one feedback input (15a, 15b, ..., 15h), wherein at least one first load (400, 420, 430b), in particular a light source, can be switched between the supply output (14, 103) and the at least one feedback input (15a, 15b, ..., 15h); - a controllable linear driver circuit arrangement (130, 130a, 130b) for controlling the first load (400, 420, 430b), which is connected on the input side to the at least one feedback input (15a, 15b, ..., 15h) and on the output side to the first supply terminal (20) and with a control output (136) coupled to the control terminal (104) for setting the second supply potential (ULED+) to generate a substantially constant current through the load, - wherein the linear driver circuit arrangement (130, 130a, 130b) regulates a voltage drop occurring across it when the linear driver circuit arrangement (130, 130a, 130b) detects that the current through the first load (400, 420, 430b) is decreasing, in order to compensate for the decreasing current, - wherein the linear driver circuit arrangement (130, 130a, 130b) is configured to generate a feedback signal at the control output (136) to signal the DC / DC converter (100) to increase the level of the second supply potential (ULED+) when a reduction of the voltage drop across the linear driver circuit arrangement (130, 130a, 130b) is no longer sufficient to compensate for the decreasing current.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a supply control circuit, in particular for vehicle lights, and a system arrangement, in particular a vehicle light architecture.

[0002] In some vehicles, vehicle lights, especially taillights, are controlled directly by a central control unit depending on the desired function. The functions addressed by the central control unit include, for example, the brake light, tail light, or a turn signal. For this purpose, the lamps are often connected to the central control unit via discrete wires.

[0003] In newer vehicles, some of the light sources are implemented using LED technology, requiring additional adaptation to a predetermined current. This adaptation affects, among other things, the switches used to control the light sources, but perhaps also the voltage required for operation. Accordingly, the flexibility regarding the wiring of the various light sources, especially with LED technology, is limited due to the vehicle electrical system voltage used, to which the light sources are currently directly connected. Additional effort is required due to the diagnostic functions required within the light sources.

[0004] US 2008 / 0 136 350 A1, DE 10 2006 037 342 A1, DE 10 2004 008 896 A1 and US 2007 / 0 159 118 A1 describe circuits for controlling lighting devices, in which an output voltage is generated by a voltage control circuit with which the lighting devices are operated.

[0005] There is therefore a need to develop a supply control circuit that can be used independently of the light source and is also suitable for a variety of light sources. In addition, a system architecture should be proposed that offers high flexibility with regard to the controlled light sources and can thus be used in different vehicle types, among other things.

[0006] This need is met by the subject matter of independent patent claims 1 and 9. Further developments and refinements are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] In one embodiment, a supply control circuit is proposed that has two supply terminals, each for a first supply potential and a reference potential. A controllable DC / DC converter is connected to the two supply terminals, which additionally has a control terminal for a control signal for setting a second supply potential to a first supply output.

[0008] The difference between the first supply potential and the reference potential is referred to as the first supply voltage. The second supply potential is designed such that the difference between the second supply voltage and the reference potential is greater than the first supply voltage. Therefore, in one embodiment, the second supply potential is greater than the first supply potential. The DC / DC converter thus represents an "upconverter" that increases a first level to a higher second level.

[0009] Furthermore, the supply control circuit comprises at least one feedback input, wherein at least one first load, in particular a light source, can be connected between the first supply output and the at least one feedback input. Finally, a controllable linear driver circuit arrangement is provided for controlling the first load. This is connected on the input side to the at least one feedback input and on the output side to the first supply connection. The linear driver circuit arrangement thus receives the signal coming from the load on the input side and the first supply potential on the output side. The voltage provided by the DC / DC converter results from the difference between the supply potential provided by the converter and the first supply potential.

[0010] The controllable linear driver circuitry comprises a control output coupled to the control terminal of the DC / DC converter for adjusting the second supply potential in response to a voltage drop across the linear driver circuitry. In one embodiment, the linear driver circuitry is configured to control a current through a connected load and, depending on a threshold value that represents a measure of the control, to output a signal to the control terminal of the DC / DC converter.

[0011] In the proposed embodiment, the control electronics for the corresponding lamps are arranged in a supply control circuit in spatial proximity to the lamps.

[0012] According to the invention, a DC / DC converter is provided that provides the supply voltage required for the lighting device or the load from a first supply potential. The supply potential provided by the DC / DC converter can be higher than the first supply potential. The maximum supply voltage for the load, in turn, results from the difference between the second supply potential generated by the DC / DC converter and the first supply potential present at the output of the linear driver circuit arrangement.

[0013] A load is then connected, together with the linear driver circuit arrangement, between the first supply output, to which the supply potential provided by the DC / DC converter is applied, and the first supply terminal with the lower supply potential. The linear driver circuit arrangement is preferably designed to maintain a constant predefined current through the load and, for this purpose, regulates its voltage drop. If the linear driver circuit can no longer compensate for a decreasing current through the lamp with a decreasing voltage drop, it generates a corresponding control signal at its control output, whereby the controllable DC / DC converter delivers a higher output voltage.

[0014] In one embodiment, the linear driver circuit arrangement is thus designed to adjust an output voltage of the DC / DC converter. The control sets the output voltage to the lowest possible value, which, on the one hand, provides sufficient voltage and current for the load, and, on the other hand, minimizes power loss. In other words, the control minimizes power loss across the DC / DC converter and the other components, since the DC / DC converter always supplies the operating voltage and current required for the connected load. In particular, the supply control circuit is suitable for operating loads, such as LED lighting.

[0015] In one embodiment, several feedback inputs are provided, to which various loads, in particular various lighting devices, can be connected in parallel to the first supply output. Each feedback input is connected to the controllable linear driver circuitry, which sets the appropriate channel current for the corresponding load.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the supply control circuit is further provided with a control circuit. The control circuit comprises a control bus terminal for receiving control signals for controlling the loads using the linear driver circuit arrangement, as well as a control output connected to the controllable linear driver circuit arrangement. For this purpose, a control bus is provided between the control circuit and the linear driver circuit arrangement. This control bus comprises several lines, each of which outputs a control signal to the linear driver circuit arrangement for controlling the respective channel. This control signal can be, for example, a PWM signal.

[0017] This design implements a power control circuit that can independently control the individual functions of the various loads. A control circuit with a control bus connection is provided for this purpose.

[0018] The control circuit receives external control signals and then generates control signals for the linear driver circuitry. In this embodiment, the linear driver circuitry also serves as a switch to connect loads, such as a light source, to the current path depending on the desired function.

[0019] In a further embodiment, the linear driver circuit arrangement comprises at least two linear driver circuits, each connected to one of the feedback terminals. Thus, different loads can be controlled by one of the linear driver circuits. Each of the linear driver circuits can also be configured to output a control signal to the control output.

[0020] This design makes it possible to deliver individual control signals to the control output when the loads connected to the individual linear driver circuits can no longer be supplied with voltage or current, or can only do so insufficiently. In these cases, the corresponding linear driver circuit can no longer compensate for the decreasing channel current by reducing the voltage drop, and thus generates a control signal to the DC / DC converter to increase the converter's output voltage.

[0021] The supply control circuit is suitable, among other things, for controlling lighting devices each constructed with light-emitting diodes. In one embodiment of the invention, a load is provided which has a lighting device with at least two parallel rows of lights, each comprising at least one light-emitting diode. Each of the rows of lights can, for example, be connected between the first supply output and one of the feedback inputs of the linear driver circuit arrangement. This enables the linear driver circuit arrangement to control each of the rows of lights individually. By means of a suitable logic circuit for evaluating the control signals of individual linear driver circuits within the linear driver circuit arrangement, an overall signal can be formed, which is fed to the DC / DC converter for adjusting its output voltage.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention concerns a flexible design of a system architecture that can be used for a variety of different vehicle types. In one design of the invention, a system architecture is provided that has at least one supply control circuit according to the proposed principle. The system architecture further comprises a power supply device for supplying electrical energy, which is coupled to the first and second supply terminals of the supply control circuit. A load, in particular a lighting device, is connected to the supply control circuit. Finally, a central control unit is provided, which is coupled to the supply control circuit via a control bus for controlling the load.

[0023] This shifts the functional control of the individual loads, particularly lighting devices, from the central control unit to the supply control circuit. The central control unit itself only performs logical control. According to the invention, the central control unit transmits control signals via a control bus to the supply control circuit, which, in response, switches the individual loads on or off as required. At the same time, the supply control circuit generates the voltage and current required to supply the loads, making it essentially independent of the voltage and current provided by the power supply device.

[0024] The proposed system architecture allows for the flexible implementation of various lighting devices, including their control and power supply. This allows different loads to be combined according to different requirements and supplied with the appropriate control signals from a central control unit.

[0025] The invention allows various lighting modules, particularly for vehicles, to be coupled to the central control unit without the latter having to be adapted to the respective requirements of the consumers.

[0026] In the following, the invention is explained in detail using various embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0027] They show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a system architecture, in particular in a vehicle, Fig. 2 an embodiment of a supply control circuit according to the proposed principle, Fig. 3 an embodiment of a section of the supply control circuit with a consumer connected to it, Fig. 4 a second embodiment of the supply control circuit, Fig. 5 a third embodiment of the supply control circuit.

[0028] Until now, rear light modules (also known as taillights) in motor vehicles have been developed as separate electronic modules. This results in significant development costs for each vehicle type. Furthermore, the individual light modules are connected to the central control unit and the supply voltage via separate and discrete supply and control channels. This leads to additional material and manufacturing costs, as well as development costs and limitations in the selection of the various light modules. For example, light-emitting diode-based light modules require a different control current and voltage than corresponding light modules based on incandescent lamp technology.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a system architecture according to the proposed principle as it can be used, among other things, in motor vehicles.

[0030] The invention now proposes a system architecture in Fig. 1, in which the logic and control electronics are partially integrated into the corresponding rear light modules of a vehicle. The system architecture has a central control unit 1, which is coupled to the various rear light modules 11 and 11a via a control bus 22. The various functions of the corresponding rear light module are controlled via this control bus. These include, among others, a brake light function, a direction indicator, a tail light function, reversing light, and rear fog light. A license plate light 11b or a high-mounted brake light 12 can also be controlled by the central control unit 1 via a supply control circuit 10a in the rear light module 11a. The rear light module 11a also controls the second rear light 11c. The control bus 22 can, for example, be a LIN or CAN bus system.

[0031] In this embodiment, the system architecture further comprises two independently operating supply connections 20a and 20b. These are each coupled to a supply unit (not shown here) via a fuse, which can be installed separately within the vehicle. The supply unit can be a battery, for example. A common supply connection 21 for all supply control circuits 10 and 10a completes the supply connections.

[0032] Each rear light module 11 and 11a comprises a supply control circuit 10, 10a and a corresponding lighting module. This, in turn, can consist of or contain a plurality of individual lighting elements. For example, in addition to the supply control circuit 10, the rear light modules 11 can also have one or more tail lights, brake lights, and direction indicators. The rear light module 11a can have rear fog lights, brake lights, and reversing lights. While the tail lights can be implemented using LED technology, for example, the direction indicators are realized with incandescent bulbs, for example. In this regard, other combinations or an implementation entirely using LED technology are also possible. The supply with the supply control circuit according to the invention ensures flexibility with regard to the number of LEDs or incandescent bulbs used.The supply control circuit also allows the implementation of suitable diagnostic functions for the respective lighting module.

[0033] In addition to a separate supply control circuit 10 for each rear light module 11, a further supply control circuit 10a is provided for the rear light module 11a, the license plate light 11b, the rear light 11c, and the high-mounted brake light 12. The supply control circuit 10a is also connected to the central control unit 1 via the bus system and to a power supply via supply lines.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the supply control circuit. This comprises a DC / DC converter 100, which provides a variable second supply potential ULED+ at a supply output 103. In this context, the second supply potential ULED+ is also referred to as a variable constant voltage, which results from the difference between the potential output by the converter and the reference potential GND. The DC / DC converter 100 thus provides a second supply potential ULED+ at its supply output 103, from which the voltage of the same name results when referenced to ground potential.

[0035] The DC / DC converter 100 is in turn supplied by the supply voltage, which is formed from a first supply potential UBAT and a reference potential GND at the supply terminals 20 and 21, respectively. The converter can generate a larger second supply potential ULED+ than the first supply potential UBAT. It operates as a boost converter, delivering a higher output voltage or a higher second supply potential ULED+ than the supply voltage or the first supply potential UBAT. For this purpose, the DC / DC converter also includes a control terminal 104, to which a feedback signal is applied. This feedback signal controls the second supply potential ULED+ at the supply output 103.

[0036] The supply control circuit 10 further comprises two linear driver circuit arrangements 130, to which the signals ULED_1- to ULED_8- present at the feedback inputs 15a to 15h of the supply control circuit 10 are fed on the input side. A plurality of loads, not shown here for reasons of clarity, are connected in parallel between the feedback inputs of the supply control circuit 10 and the first supply output 14 or 103 of the supply control circuit 10. Each individual load is arranged between the common supply terminal, the output of the DC / DC converter, and one of the feedback inputs.

[0037] The linear driver circuit arrangements 130 serve to generate a constant current through the load by regulating a voltage drop. For this purpose, a controllable resistor can be arranged within the linear driver circuit, which is connected in series with the load. This allows the current flowing through the connected load to be kept essentially constant. The controllable resistor can, for example, be designed as a transistor connected in the current path. The transistor is controlled via a comparator that compares a voltage measured upstream of the transistor with a reference value. The measured voltage can result from the difference between the potentials at the corresponding feedback input and the first supply potential UBat.

[0038] For this purpose, the output of the linear driver circuit arrangement 130 is connected to the first supply potential UBAT via the supply input 131. This advantageously regulates the voltage drop not to the reference potential GND but to the first supply potential UBAT. This reduces losses in the DC / DC converter and the linear driver circuit, while simultaneously avoiding the impact of fluctuations at the supply potential terminal VBAT on the corresponding loads.

[0039] If the channel current through the consumer decreases, for example, because the voltage drop across the consumer changes, the linear driver circuit, which is designed as a linear current regulator, regulates the voltage drop occurring internally, for example by controlling the transistor, in order to compensate for the decreasing channel current.

[0040] If a reduction of the voltage drop across the linear driver circuit is no longer sufficient, it generates a feedback signal at its control output 136 to signal a higher output voltage or a higher output potential to the DC / DC converter.

[0041] The two linear driver circuit arrangements 130 also have a diagnostic output 134, from which diagnostic signals Diag can be tapped. This allows the linear driver circuit arrangements 130 to detect, for example, malfunctions in the connected loads via a corresponding voltage or current measurement and forward these to a microcontroller 110 for further diagnosis.

[0042] A separate diagnostic line is available for each connected consumer, which together form a diagnostic bus.

[0043] The microcontroller 110 of the supply control circuits 10 receives external control signals via a control bus 22 and is supplied with the necessary power via the first supply potential UBAT and the reference potential GND at the supply inputs 111 and 112. The microcontroller 110 can contain a fixed voltage regulator and a bus transceiver. The fixed voltage regulator generates the voltage required to operate the microcontroller 110, while the bus transceiver performs level conversion and conditioning of the control signals for the microcontroller. The microcontroller thus processes the control signals arriving via the control bus 22 and prepares them for control to the two linear driver circuit arrangements 130.

[0044] The linear driver circuit arrangements 130 are controlled via several pulse width modulation (PWM) signals at control output 115. For this purpose, one line is provided for each channel of the linear driver circuits and arranged between them and the microcontroller. In this case, this would be eight individual control lines, which together form the control bus. With the help of the microcontroller 110 and the pulse-width modulated signal, the individual strands within the linear driver circuit arrangements 130 simultaneously function as switches to selectively activate or deactivate the loads connected to them. In the field of vehicle electronics, a multitude of different functions can be realized by separately and individually controlling the individual lights.

[0045] Fig. Figure 3 shows a section of the supply control circuit 10 with a connected load 400. The load 400 comprises a series of LEDs arranged in parallel, which in turn are connected in series and thus form parallel LED strings. Each string comprises a plurality of LEDs 405 connected in series. The strings are connected on the input or anode side to the first supply output for the common second supply potential ULED+. On the output or cathode side, the individual strings are connected to one of the feedback inputs 15a to 15g, which lead to the individual channels of the linear driver circuit arrangements 130. The last feedback input 15h remains free and is marked as open by the microcontroller 110.

[0046] In this exemplary embodiment, the linear driver circuit arrangements 130 each comprise four control channels arranged in parallel for current or voltage regulation. Each channel contains a linear current regulator, which, for example, has a controllable resistor, such as a field-effect transistor, connected in the current path. This can be connected to a feedback comparison circuit that measures the voltage drop across the transistor and compares it with a reference value. This allows individual regulation to a desired current value for each channel, so that different types of LEDs per string as well as manufacturing variations in the LEDs within the various strings can be compensated. With the help of current and voltage measurements, the function of the individual LEDs within the strings is also diagnosed and provided as a diagnostic signal at the diagnostic output 134.

[0047] Another embodiment of the proposed supply control arrangement is shown Fig. 4. A linear driver circuit arrangement 130a is provided, which has a plurality of parallel linear driver circuits with linear current regulators, each forming a controllable current channel. Each of these channels is also equipped to measure a current flowing through the channel, for example, to detect a connected load or to test its functionality. The measured results are forwarded by the linear driver circuit arrangement via the diagnostic output 134 to a microcontroller 110, where they are processed. The microprocessor uses the transmitted measurement and diagnostic values ​​to determine the functionality of the loads 430b and 430c connected to the linear driver circuit arrangement 130a.The microprocessor can also determine the total power consumption or power loss, for example, by sending a signal via the control line to the control terminal 104 of the DC / DC converter to reset its output potential. A diagnostic function is also available in the DC / DC converter 100 via output 106.

[0048] The loads 430b, 430c can be LED strings with a plurality of LEDs connected in series, as in the previous example. On the input side, each of the loads is connected to the supply terminal for the second supply potential ULED+, which is above the first supply potential UBAT and is output by the DC / DC converter 100. The first supply potential UBAT is in turn present at the output of the linear driver circuit arrangement 130a. The voltage drop across the loads 430b and 430c and the linear driver circuit arrangement 130a thus results from the difference between the second supply potential ULED+ provided by the DC / DC converter 100 and the first supply potential UBAT. This reduces the losses in the proposed supply control circuit compared to regulation based on the reference potential GND.

[0049] The supply control circuit further comprises a further controllable circuit arrangement 140, which is controlled by a control signal from microcontroller 110. The controllable circuit arrangement 140 is directly connected to the supply terminals 20 and 21 and serves to control a further load 500. In contrast to the loads 430b and 430c, this further load 500 is designed differently and, for example, does not require a constant channel current, but can be supplied directly by the supply voltage at the supply terminals 20 and 21. For example, this second load can comprise incandescent lamps.

[0050] The additional controllable circuit arrangement 140 creates a supply control circuit that can supply specific loads with the aid of a linear driver circuit arrangement 130a and a DC / DC converter, as well as loads that can be directly supplied with the supply voltage via a controllable circuit arrangement 140. The supply control circuit thus allows for flexible supply of different lighting devices, especially in the automotive sector, depending on the desired vehicle type.

[0051] A further design of a supply control circuit is shown Fig.5. In this exemplary embodiment, various linear driver circuit arrangements 130b are provided, each with three current channels arranged in parallel to be controlled. The linear driver circuits are in turn connected via their supply input 131 to the first supply potential UBAT, which is also supplied to the DC / DC converter 100, the fixed voltage regulator of the microcontroller 110, and the controllable circuit arrangement 140. Each of the linear driver circuit arrangements 130b includes a diagnostic output 134, which is connected to a multiplexer 137. The multiplexer routes the signal with the highest feedback requirement to the DC / DC converter. A respective control signal is present at the diagnostic outputs 134, indicating whether one of the channels of the respective linear driver circuit arrangements 130b can provide a sufficiently high current for the load 420.If this is not the case, a control signal is generated in the linear driver circuitry 130b and passed on to the multiplexer 137. The multiplexer returns the signal as a feedback signal to the DC / DC converter to inform it to further increase the second supply potential ULED+ in order to provide the necessary channel current for the load 420. Accordingly, the linear driver circuitry 130b can also generate a control signal that indicates to the DC / DC converter 100 to reduce the second supply potential ULED+.

[0052] The load 420 comprises a series of individual loads arranged in parallel, each of which is connected on the input side to the output of the DC / DC converter 100 and on the output side to one of the channels for the linear driver circuit arrangements 130b. The load 420 can, for example, be a light-emitting diode arrangement for taillights, vehicle lights, or the like.

[0053] The linear driver circuit arrangements 130b are controlled by pulse-width-modulated control signals from the microcontroller 110 via the control inputs 135. This allows the individual channels of the linear driver circuit arrangements 130b to also be used as switches to individually activate or deactivate the loads connected to them. A separate control line leads to the controllable circuit arrangement 140, which is connected to another load 500. Depending on the control signal CTRL, the controllable circuit arrangement 140 switches the first supply potential UBAT to the load 500, which in turn is directly connected to the reference potential GND on the output side.

[0054] The supply control circuit shown here can be used to connect and operate various loads, particularly differently implemented rear lights in motor vehicles. This reduces the number of required driver circuits and costs. At the same time, heat losses are reduced, and the control electronics are relocated from the central control unit to a decentralized unit. This allows additional functions to be implemented without having to redevelop or modify the central control unit each time. Simple control via a central bus reduces the otherwise necessary wiring harnesses, reducing weight and costs. Furthermore, individual loads become independent of fluctuations in the supply lines.

[0055] New technologies, such as adaptive rear lights that brighten or dim depending on external influences, can be easily implemented by adjusting the individual channel currents. The modular architecture shown here, consisting of a central control unit with individual supply control circuits and connected loads, allows for the replacement of individual elements without fundamental changes. List of reference symbols 1 central control unit 10, 10a supply control circuit 11, 11a Rear light module 11b License plate light 11c rear light 12 high-mounted brake light 14 Supply output 15a, ..., 15h Feedback inputs 20 supply connection 20a, 20b supply line 21 Supply connection 22 Control bus 100 DC / DC converters 101, 102 supply inputs 103 Supply output 104 Standard connection 106 Exit 110 microcontrollers, 111, 112 supply inputs 113 Control input 114 diagnostic inputs 115 control outputs 130, 130a, 130b Linear driver circuit arrangement 131 Supply input 134 diagnostic outputs 135 control inputs 136 Control output 137 multiplexers 140 controllable circuit arrangement 400, 420, consumer 430b, 430c Consumer 405 LEDs 500 consumers CTRL control signal PWM pulse width modulation signals FB, feedback control signal DIAG diagnostic signal UBAT first supply potential ULED+ second supply potential GND reference potential BUS control signal FRAZ, SL, BL light series

Claims

[1] Supply control circuit, in particular for vehicle lights, comprising: - a first supply connection (20) for a first supply potential (UBat) and a second supply connection (21) for a reference potential (GND); - a controllable DC / DC converter (100) with a control connection (104) for a control signal for setting a second supply potential (ULED+) to a first supply output (14, 103), wherein the second supply potential (U_LED+) is higher than the first supply potential (UBat); - at least one feedback input (15a, 15b, ..., 15h), wherein at least one first consumer (400, 420, 430b), in particular a lighting means, can be switched between the supply output (14, 103) and the at least one feedback input (15a, 15b, ..., 15h); - a controllable linear driver circuit arrangement (130, 130a, 130b) for controlling the first consumer (400, 420, 430b), which is connected on the input side to the at least one feedback input (15a, 15b, ..., 15h) and on the output side to the first supply connection (20) and having a control output (136) coupled to the control connection (104) for setting the second supply potential (ULED+) to generate a substantially constant current through the consumer, - wherein the linear driver circuit arrangement (130, 130a, 130b) regulates a voltage drop occurring across it when the linear driver circuit arrangement (130, 130a, 130b) detects that the current through the first load (400, 420, 430b) is decreasing in order to compensate for the decreasing current, - wherein the linear driver circuit arrangement (130, 130a, 130b) is designed such that it generates a feedback signal at the control output (136) in order to signal the DC / DC converter (100) to increase the level of the second supply potential (ULED+) when a reduction in the voltage drop across the linear driver circuit arrangement (130, 130a, 130b) is no longer sufficient to compensate for the falling current. [2] Supply control circuit according to claim 1, further comprising: - a control circuit having a control bus connection for receiving control signals (BUS) for controlling the loads with the aid of the linear driver circuit arrangement (130, 130a, 130b) and a control output (115) which is connected to the controllable linear driver circuit arrangement. [3] Supply control circuit according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the linear driver circuit arrangement (130, 130a, 130b) comprises at least two linear driver circuits, each of the at least two linear driver circuits being connected to one of the feedback inputs (15a, ..., 15h) and being designed to output a control signal at the control output (136). [4] Supply control circuit according to claim 3, wherein the linear driver circuit arrangement comprises at least one feedback voltage regulator which is coupled on the input side to the at least one feedback input (15a, ..., 15h) and on the output side to the first supply terminal (20). [5] Supply control circuit according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the linear driver circuit arrangement is designed to adjust the second supply potential (ULED+) in response to detecting a voltage drop across the first load (400, 420, 430b, 430c). [6] Supply control circuit according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the linear driver circuit arrangement (130, 130a, 130b) comprises at least one current regulator for forming a constant current source, which is coupled to the at least one feedback input (15a, ..., 15h) and on the output side to the first supply terminal (20). [7] Supply control circuit according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the load (400) has a lighting means with at least two parallel arranged rows of lights (FRAZ, SL, BL), each comprising at least one light-emitting diode (405). [8] Supply control circuit according to one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising: - a controllable circuit arrangement (140) which is connected on the input side to the first and second supply connection (20, 21) and is designed on the output side for connection to at least one second consumer (500), in particular a lighting means, and which comprises a control input which is connected to the control circuit. [9] System arrangement comprising: - at least one supply control circuit (10a) according to one of claims 1 to 8; - a power supply device coupled to the first and second supply terminals for supplying electrical energy; - at least one consumer, in particular a lighting device, which is connected to the supply control circuit; - a central control unit (1) which is connected via a control bus to the supply control circuit for controlling the at least one consumer. [10] System arrangement according to claim 9 which is part of a vehicle and wherein the at least one consumer comprises a rear light module (11, 11a).

Images