Circuit detection and LED control

Abstract

An example detection circuit includes: a bypass circuit designed to selectively bypass an array of LEDs from an LED driver, a first voltage detection circuit designed to compare a voltage at a first terminal of the array of LEDs with a first reference voltage and output a first indication of the comparison, and a logic circuit designed to output a circuit type based on the first indication.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This description generally concerns electronic circuits, and in particular circuit detection and LED control. BACKGROUND

[0002] A driver circuit provides electrical power to one or more electrical components. For example, a light-emitting diode (LED) driver circuit supplies power to one or more LEDs. The operation of electrical components powered by a driver circuit can be controlled by a controller. For example, an LED controller can control the on / off state, brightness, color, etc., of an LED string and / or can control individual LEDs or groups of LEDs within an LED string. An LED string can contain one or more LEDs connected in series and / or parallel. SUMMARY

[0003] For circuit detection and LED control, an example detection circuit includes a bypass circuit designed to selectively bypass / disconnect an array of LEDs from an LED driver; a first voltage detection circuit designed to compare a voltage at a first terminal of the array of LEDs with a first reference voltage and output a first indication of the comparison; and a logic circuit designed to output a circuit type based on the first indication. Further examples are described.

[0004] For circuit detection and LED control, an example detection circuit has a switch with a first terminal designed to be coupled to the first terminal of an array of LEDs and a second terminal coupled to the second terminal of the array. The detection circuit has a first comparator with a first input terminal coupled to the second terminal of the array of LEDs and a second terminal coupled to a first reference voltage. The detection circuit also has a second comparator with a first input terminal coupled to the first terminal of the array of LEDs and a second terminal coupled to a second reference voltage.The detection circuit includes a logic circuit having a first input terminal coupled to an output of the first comparator, a second input terminal coupled to an output of the second comparator, and wherein the logic circuit is designed to output a signal of a circuit type of a controller of the series of LEDs. Further examples are described.

[0005] For circuit detection and LED control, an example LED controller comprises a current source; a current sink; and a driver coupled to the current source and the current sink. The LED controller includes a transistor coupled to an output of the driver. The LED controller includes a switch with a first terminal coupled to an anode of an array of LEDs and a second terminal coupled to a cathode of the array. The LED controller includes a first comparator with a first input terminal coupled to the cathode of the array of LEDs and a second terminal coupled to a first reference voltage.The LED controller includes a second comparator with a first input connected to the anode of the LED array and a second input connected to a second reference voltage. The LED controller also includes a logic circuit with a first input connected to an output of the first comparator, a second input connected to an output of the second comparator, and an output to send a signal indicating the type of LED array control circuit to the current source and sink. Further examples are described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 shows an example circuit for driving and controlling light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as revealed here. Fig. Figure 2 shows another example circuit for driving and controlling LEDs as revealed here. Fig. 3 is a truth table that represents the logic of the logic circuit of Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2 shows. Fig. 4. A flowchart illustrating the operation of the LED dot controller. Fig. 1 and / or Fig. 2 illustrated.

[0006] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In general, the same reference symbols in the drawing(s) and this description refer to the same or (functionally and / or structurally) similar features and / or parts. Although the drawings show areas with clear lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and boundaries may be idealized. In reality, the boundaries or lines may be invisible, blurred, or irregular. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] When two circuits interact, the design and structure of one circuit can affect the operation of the other. For example, a driver circuit for LEDs can be implemented as a current-sink type LED driver, a current-source type LED driver, and so on. An LED controller that controls LEDs driven by such a driver may need to modify its operation depending on the type of driver circuit. For example, an LED controller might have an array of gate drivers connected to an array of transistors (such as field-effect transistors (FETs)) to control a series of LEDs. Furthermore, the gate drivers might be powered by internal current sources and internal current sinks of the LED controller. The magnitude of the current source relative to the magnitude of the current sink varies depending on the type of LED driver and how the current driver delivers power to the LEDs.If the power source and current sink are not properly balanced based on the type of LED driver circuit, leakage current can cause the LEDs to be partially switched on, even though the LED controller is designed to keep them off. The leakage current due to a compensation mismatch (e.g., an imbalance between the current supplied to the circuit and the current drawn by the circuit) accumulates to a significant amount through the first or last LED in the LED string, resulting in undesirable brightness and color cast (e.g., the hue, color, etc.) of the LED.

[0008] Typically, a front-end LED driver acts as a current regulator to supply current through the LED string. Each LED in the string should receive no current when the LED driver is disabled. For current-sink LED drivers, such as floating buck drivers, the anode of the topmost LED in the string is connected to the system VIN. If the ratio N of the internal current source is less than the ratio K of the internal current sink of the LED point controller (e.g., a controller capable of controlling individual and / or groups of LEDs), the mismatch current flows through the LED string from VIN to the point controller's internal current sink. However, for current-source LED drivers, such as buck drivers, the cathode of the bottommost LED in an LED string is connected to ground.If the ratio N of the internal current source is greater than the ratio K of the internal current sink of the LED point controller, the mismatch current flows into the LED chain from the internal current source of the point controller to ground.

[0009] An example LED controller described here uses a circuit to detect the circuit type of the LED driver connected to a series of LEDs and adjusts the internal current source and sink of the LED point controller to compensate for the detected circuit type. As used here, a series of LEDs comprises any arrangement of multiple LEDs that could be connected in series and / or parallel, such as a chain of LEDs, a plurality of LEDs connected in series, a matrix of LEDs connected in rows and columns, or other configurations, etc. Although the examples disclosed here utilize circuit detection in the context of an LED point controller, the detection circuit can be used in other applications where circuit detection and / or compensation may be desirable.

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example circuit 100 for driving and controlling light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The example circuit 100 includes an LED driver 102 with an input voltage 104 and a current sink 106. The example circuit 100 also includes a series of LEDs 110 to 116. Furthermore, the example circuit 100 includes an LED point controller 120.

[0011] The example LED driver 102 is a current-sink type LED driver. The example input voltage 104 is coupled to an anode of the first LED 110. A first terminal of the current sink 106 is coupled to a cathode of the fourth LED 116, and a second terminal of the current sink 106 is coupled to ground. The example LED driver 102 shown is an integrated circuit. Alternatively, any other structure can be used to implement the LED driver 102.

[0012] LEDs 110 to 116 are LEDs for matrix lighting (e.g., lighting elements that use multiple LEDs to provide a light source, such as a grid, a row, etc.), such as stage lighting, surgical lighting, lighting used in machine vision, etc. Alternatively, the LEDs can be any type of LED. For example, LEDs 110 to 116 can be individually controlled LEDs where brightness, color, etc., can be controlled. The example LEDs 110 to 116 are connected in series such that the first LED 110 has an anode connected to the input voltage 104 and a cathode connected to an anode of the second LED 112. The second LED 112 has a cathode connected to an anode of the third LED 114. The third LED 114 has a cathode connected to an anode of the fourth LED 116.The fourth LED 116 has a cathode that is connected to a first terminal of the current sink 106 of the LED driver 102. The current sink 106 has a second terminal that is connected to ground.

[0013] The example LED point controller 120 comprises: an adjustable current source 122, an adjustable current sink 124, a set of transistors 126 to 132, a set of drivers 134 to 140, a pulse generator circuit 150, a bypass circuit 152, a first detection circuit 154, a second voltage detection circuit 156, and a logic circuit 158. Although the LED point controller 120 is a point controller, any type of LED controller can be used.

[0014] The adjustable current source 122 of the illustrated example is adjustable in that the amount of current supplied by the adjustable current source 122 can be set (e.g., in response to the detection of a circuit type by the LED driver 102). To facilitate the setting, the adjustable example current source 122 has an adjustable current mirror in which a number of current mirroring branches can be selected to control the supplied current amount. An output of the example current mirror is connected to a positive voltage terminal of each of the drivers in the set of drivers 134 to 140.

[0015] The adjustable current sink 124 of the illustrated example is adjustable in that the amount of current absorbed by the adjustable current sink 124 can be set. To facilitate the setting, the adjustable current sink 124 has an adjustable current mirror in which a number of current mirroring branches can be selected to control the amount of current absorbed. One input of the current mirror is connected to a negative voltage terminal of each of the drivers in the set, drivers 134 to 140.

[0016] The example set of transistors 126 to 132 are field-effect transistors (FETs), each having a drain connected to an anode of a corresponding transistor from the set, and a source connected to a cathode of a corresponding transistor from the set. Each example set of transistors 126 to 132 also has a gate connected to an output of a corresponding driver from the set of drivers 134 to 140.

[0017] Accordingly, the adjustable current source 122 and the adjustable current sink 124 supply the drivers of the set of drivers 134 to 140. The drivers of the set of drivers 134 to 140 may additionally have one or more inputs to control the operation of the drivers. For example, the inputs can provide an indication of brightness, color, enabled / disabled status, etc., and the drivers 134 to 140 control the transistors 126 to 132 to control the output of the LEDs 110 to 116, respectively.

[0018] The example pulse generator circuit 150 is a one-shot circuit for generating an output pulse. Alternatively, the pulse generator circuit 150 can be any type of element that controls the operation of the bypass circuit 152 and signals the logic 158. For example, the pulse generator circuit 150 can be an output from a controller that selectively activates the bypass circuit 152 and signals the logic 158. The example pulse generator circuit 150 has an output that is connected to a driver input for the bypass circuit 152 and a blocking terminal of the logic circuit 158.

[0019] Example bypass circuit 152 is a switch that is triggered to close when pulse generator circuit 150 is high. Alternatively, bypass circuit 152 can be implemented by any other components that can bypass LED driver 102 for LEDs 110 to 116, allowing the voltage at voltage source 104 and current sink 106 to be measured. Example bypass circuit 152 has a first terminal connected to the anode of the first LED 110 and a second terminal connected to the cathode of the fourth LED 116. When bypass circuit 152 is activated (e.g., the switch is closed), the first terminal is connected to the second terminal to bypass LED driver 102 for LEDs 110 to 116.

[0020] The examples of the first voltage detection circuit 154 and the second voltage detection circuit 156 are comparators that compare a voltage at a first terminal, such as a positive input terminal, with a voltage at a second terminal, such as a negative input terminal, and output a high voltage if the voltage at the positive input terminal is greater than the voltage at the negative input terminal, and output a low voltage if the voltage at the positive input terminal is not greater than the voltage at the negative input terminal. The first voltage detection circuit 154 and the second voltage detection circuit 156 can be implemented by any type of circuit for determining a voltage level.Although the example LED point controller 120 has both the first voltage detection circuit 154 and the second voltage detection circuit 156, other implementations of the LED point controller 120 may have a single voltage detection circuit.

[0021] In one example, the positive terminal of the first voltage detection circuit 154 is connected to a first end of the set of LEDs 110 to 116 (e.g., the anode of the first LED 110), and the negative terminal of the first voltage detection circuit 154 is connected to a first reference voltage. An output of the first voltage detection circuit 154 is connected to a first input terminal of the logic circuit 158.

[0022] The positive terminal of the second voltage detection circuit 156 is connected to a second end of the set of LEDs 110 to 116 (e.g., the cathode of the fourth LED 116), and the negative terminal of the second voltage detection circuit 156 is connected to a second reference voltage. An output of the second voltage detection circuit 156 is connected to a second input terminal of the logic circuit 158. According to the example shown, where the switch 152 is not an ideal switch, so that a parasitic capacitance is present which is connected in parallel to the set of LEDs 110 to 116 when the switch 152 is closed, the first reference voltage Vrefl is greater than the second reference voltage Vref2. In one example, Vref1-Vref2 lies between 2 V and 3 V (e.g., Vref1-Vref2 = 2.5 V). In some situations where switch 152 is an ideal switch, Vrefl and Vref2 can be designed at the same voltage level (e.g. 4 V).Vrefl and Vref2 can be designed to ensure that a current flowing through LEDs 110 to 116 due to the type of LED driver can be detected when the LED driver is disabled.

[0023] The logic circuit 158 ​​outputs two values ​​(D_ARC_CS and D_ARC_CK) based on the voltages at the first and second input terminals of the logic circuit 158 ​​when the blocking input, which is coupled to the pulse generator circuit 150, goes high. According to the example shown, D_ARC_CS is set to a first logic state (e.g., logic high) to indicate that the detected circuit (e.g., the LED driver 102) is a current source type circuit, and D_ARC_CK is set to a first logic state (e.g., logic high) to indicate that the detected circuit is a current sink type circuit. The logic circuit 158 ​​can be implemented by a digital logic circuit (e.g., an AND gate, an OR gate, a NOR gate, etc.). Alternatively, the logic circuit 158 ​​can be implemented by a controller, such as... B. a microcontroller, a processor, etc. can be implemented.An example truth table for implementing logic circuit 158 ​​is provided in conjunction with . Fig. 3 described.

[0024] The outputs of the logic circuit are coupled to the adjustable current source 122 and the adjustable current sink 124. To prevent leakage current that would cause the LEDs 110 to 116 to be switched on when they should be off, or otherwise malfunction, the adjustable example current source 122 and the adjustable example current sink 124 can be adjusted to ensure that all current within the circuit 100 is directed to the current sink 124 and no leakage current is available for the LEDs 110 to 116. The amount of current supplied and received depends on the type of LED driver 102. In this example, for a current sink type driver 102, the amount of current supplied by the adjustable current source 122 should be greater than the amount of current received by the adjustable current sink 124 (e.g., N > K).For example, the adjustable current source 122 may have logic to enable additional current mirror branches when D_ARC_CK is high and D_ARC_CS is low (or other values ​​indicating that the LED driver 102 is a current sink type driver).

[0025] Fig. Figure 2 shows another example circuit 200 for driving and controlling LEDs, as revealed here. Example circuit 200 features the same LEDs 110 to 116 and the same LED point controller 120. However, the LED driver 202 is a current source-type driver circuit comprising a current source 204 and a ground connection 206. One output of the current source 204 is connected to the anode of the first LED 110, and the ground connection 206 is connected to the cathode of the fourth LED 116.

[0026] To avoid leakage current that would cause LEDs 110 to 116 to be incorrectly activated, for the current source type driver 202, the amount of current absorbed by the adjustable current sink 124 should be greater than the amount of current supplied by the adjustable current source 122 (e.g., K > N). For example, the adjustable current sink 124 could have logic to activate additional current mirror branches when D_ARC_CS is high and D_ARC_CK is low (or other values ​​indicating that the LED driver 102 is a current source type driver).

[0027] Accordingly, as illustrated by example circuit 100 and example circuit 200, the same LED point control 120 can be used with both a current source type LED driver and a current sink type LED driver.

[0028] In the example of Fig. Transistors 126 to 132 are n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). Alternatively, transistors 126 to 132 can be n-channel field-effect transistors (FETs), n-channel insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), n-channel junction field-effect transistors (JFETs), NPN bipolar transistors (BJTs), or, with slight modifications, equivalent p-type devices. Transistors 126 to 132 can be depletion-mode devices, extended-drain devices, enhancement-mode devices, natural transistors, or transistors with a device structure of another type. Furthermore, transistors 126 to 132 can be implemented in / over a silicon substrate (Si), a silicon carbide substrate (SiC), a gallium nitride substrate (GaN), or a gallium arsenide substrate (GaAs).

[0029] Fig. 3 is a truth table 300, which is an example logic of the logic circuit 158 ​​from Fig. 1 and / or Fig. Figure 2 shows that if the first voltage detection circuit 154 indicates that the measured voltage is high (e.g., greater than the first reference voltage), and the second voltage detection circuit 156 indicates that the measured voltage is high (e.g., greater than the second reference voltage), the logic circuit 158 ​​determines that the connected circuit is a current sink type detection circuit, as shown in Table 300. If the first voltage detection circuit 154 indicates that the measured voltage is low (e.g., less than the first reference voltage), and the second voltage detection circuit 156 indicates that the measured voltage is low (e.g., less than the second reference voltage), the logic circuit 158 ​​determines that the connected circuit is a current source type detection circuit. If the first voltage detection circuit 154 indicates that the measured voltage is high (e.g.,If the first voltage detection circuit 154 indicates that the measured voltage is low (e.g., greater than the first reference voltage), and the second voltage detection circuit 156 indicates that the measured voltage is low (e.g., less than the second reference voltage), the logic circuit 158 ​​outputs low for both D_ARC_CK and D_ARC_CS, indicating a different / unsupported state. Conversely, if the first voltage detection circuit 154 indicates that the measured voltage is low (e.g., less than the first reference voltage), and the second voltage detection circuit 156 indicates that the measured voltage is high (e.g., greater than the second reference voltage), the logic circuit 158 ​​outputs low for both D_ARC_CK and D_ARC_CS, indicating a different / unsupported state.

[0030] Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart representing an example of machine-readable instructions and / or example operations 400 that can be executed, instantiated, or performed by a programming circuit of at least one of the following types to perform circuit type detection, which can be used, for example, to set an LED controller. For example, some or all of the operations 400 can be implemented by a controller that executes instructions, is programmed by instructions, etc. The machine-readable example instructions and / or the example operations 400 of Fig. The circuits begin at block 402, where the bypass circuit 152 bypasses LEDs 110 to 116 from the LED driver 102 or 202. The first voltage detection circuit 152 measures the voltage at one end of LEDs 110 to 116 (e.g., at the anode of the first LED 110) (block 402). The second voltage detection circuit 154 measures the voltage at the other end of LEDs 110 to 116 (e.g., at the cathode of the fourth LED 116) (block 404).

[0031] The logic circuit 158 ​​determines whether an output from the first voltage detection circuit 152 indicates that the voltage at the first end of LEDs 110 to 116 is greater than a first reference voltage (block 408). If the voltage at the first end of LEDs 110 to 116 is greater than a first reference voltage, the logic circuit 158 ​​determines whether an output from the second voltage detection circuit 154 indicates that the voltage at the second end of LEDs 110 to 116 is greater than a second reference voltage (block 410).If the output of the second voltage detection circuit 154 indicates that the voltage at the second end of the LEDs 110 to 116 is greater than a second reference voltage, the logic circuit detects that the LED driver 102, 202, which is connected to the LEDs 110 to 116, is a current sink type circuit (block 412) and outputs a signal that causes the adjustable current source 122 to be set to supply more current than the adjustable current sink 124 accepts (block 414), or causes the adjustable current sink 124 to be set to accept less current than the adjustable current source 122 supplies (block 414).

[0032] In one example, N of the adjustable current source 122 can be configured to a first value, a second value greater than the first value, and a third value greater than the second value. Initially, N is configured to the second value. In response to the logic circuit 158 ​​detecting that the LED driver 102, 202 connected to the LEDs 110 to 116 is a current sink type circuit (block 412), the adjustable current source 122N is set to the third value, so that it supplies more current than the adjustable current sink 124 accepts (block 414), and in response to the logic circuit 158 ​​detecting that the LED driver 102, 202 connected to the LEDs 110 to 116 is a current source type circuit (block 418), the adjustable current source 122N is set to the first value, so that it supplies less current than the adjustable current sink 124 accepts (block 420).

[0033] In another example, the K of the adjustable current sink 124 can be designed for a fourth value, a fifth value greater than the fourth value, and a sixth value greater than the fifth value. Initially, K is designed for the fifth value. In response to the logic circuit 158 ​​detecting that the LED driver 102, 202 connected to the LEDs 110 to 116 is a current sink type circuit (block 412), the adjustable current sink 124 K is set to the fourth value, so that it draws less current than the adjustable current source 122 draws (block 414), and in response to the logic circuit 158 ​​detecting that the LED driver 102, 202 connected to the LEDs 110 to 116 is a current source type circuit (block 418), the adjustable current sink K is set to the sixth value, so that it draws more current than the adjustable current source 122 supplies (block 420).The adjustable current source 122 and the adjustable current sink 124 can be set in parallel in response to detection, or one of the adjustable current source 122 and the adjustable current sink 124 can be fixed, and the other of the adjustable current source 122 and the adjustable current sink 124 can be set in response to detection. The first six values ​​are designed to ensure that, after setting in response to detection, each LED in the set of LEDs 110 to 116 receives no current when the LED driver is deactivated, or when the LED driver is designed to control the current flowing through the set of LEDs 110 to 116 so that it is zero.

[0034] Returning to block 408, if the voltage at the first end of LEDs 110 to 116 is not greater than a first reference voltage, the logic circuit 158 ​​determines whether an output from the second voltage detection circuit 154 indicates that the voltage at the second end of LEDs 110 to 116 is greater than the second reference voltage (block 416). If the output from the second voltage detection circuit 154 indicates that the voltage at the second end of LEDs 110 to 116 is not greater than the second reference voltage, the logic circuit detects that the LED driver 102, 202 connected to LEDs 110 to 116 is a current source type circuit (block 418) and outputs a signal that causes the adjustable current sink 124 to be set to draw more current than the adjustable current source 122 supplies (block 420).

[0035] To return to block 416, if the output of the second voltage detection circuit 154 indicates that the voltage at the second end of the LEDs 110 to 116 is greater than the second reference voltage, the logic circuit 158 ​​outputs a signal that causes the adjustable current sink 124 to be adjusted to take approximately the same current as the adjustable current source 122 supplies.

[0036] In an ideal situation, where switch 152 is an ideal switch such that the voltage at the anode of LED 110 and the voltage at the cathode of LED 116 are equal during detection when switch 152 is closed, the first reference voltage Vrefl and the second reference voltage Vref2 are set to the same value, e.g., 4 V. In such a situation, it is also possible to use only one of the first and second voltage detection circuits 154 and 156, that is, if a sampled voltage is greater than a provided reference voltage, e.g., 4 V, the logic circuit detects that the LED driver 102, 202 connected to LEDs 110 to 116 is a current sink type circuit (block 412), and if the sampled voltage is less than the provided reference voltage, e.g., 4 V, the logic circuit detects that the LED driver 102, 202 connected to LEDs 110 to 116 is a current sink type circuit (block 412), and if the sampled voltage is less than the provided reference voltage, e.g., 4 V, the logic circuit detects that the LED driver 102, 202 is a current sink type circuit (block 412). B. 4 V, the logic circuit detects that the LED driver 102, 202 connected to the LEDs 110 to 116 is a current source type circuit (block 418).

[0037] The operations 400 of Fig. 4. The programmable circuit can be executed and / or instantiated by a programming circuit to implement all or part of the detection circuit (150-158) and / or the LED point control 120. The programmable circuit can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, FPGAs, microprocessors, CPUs, GPUs, DSPs, or microcontrollers of any desired family and manufacturer. The programmable circuit can be implemented by one or more semiconductor-based (e.g., silicon-based) devices.

[0038] As mentioned above, the example operations of Fig.4. are implemented using executable instructions (e.g., computer-readable and / or machine-readable instructions) stored on one or more non-transitory computer-readable or machine-readable media. As used herein, the terms non-transitory computer-readable medium, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, non-transitory machine-readable medium, and non-transitory machine-readable storage medium are expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable storage device or storage disk and to exclude propagating signals and transmission media.Examples of such non-transitory computer-readable media, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, non-transitory machine-readable media, or non-transitory machine-readable storage media include one or more optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, a hard disk, flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), a CD, a DVD, a cache, RAM of any kind, a register, or any other storage device or disk on which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended periods, permanently, for short periods, for temporary buffering, for intermediate storage of information).As used here, the terms "non-transitory computer-readable storage device" and "non-transitory machine-readable storage device" are defined as having any physical (mechanical, magnetic, electromechanical, or electrical) hardware to retain information for a period of time, but excluding propagating signals and transmission media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage devices or non-transitory machine-readable storage devices include one or a combination of any random-access memory, any type of read-only memory, solid-state memory, flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, hard disk drives, or RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) systems. As used here, the term "device" refers to a physical structure, such as...a or a combination of mechanical, electromechanical, or electrical devices, hardware, or circuits, which may or may not be configured by computer-readable instructions, machine-readable instructions, etc., or which are manufactured to execute computer-readable instructions, machine-readable instructions, etc.

[0039] “Include” and “have” (and all forms and tenses thereof) are used here in such a way as to be open terms. Therefore, whenever a claim uses any form of “comprise” or “have” (e.g., has, includes, exhibiting, encompassing, having, etc.) as a preamble or within any kind of claim enumeration, additional elements, terms, etc., may be present without being outside the scope of the claim or enumeration in question. As used here, the expression “at least,” when used as the transitional term, for example, in a preamble of a claim, is open in the same way as the terms “comprise” and “have” are open. The term “and / or,” when used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and / or C, refers to any combination of subgroups of A, B, C, such as…(1) only A, (2) only B, (3) only C, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) B with C, or (7) A with B and with C. As used here in the context of describing structures, components, elements, objects, and items, the expression "at least one of A and B" refers to implementations that include any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Likewise, as used here in the context of describing structures, components, elements, objects, and items, the expression "at least one of A or B" refers to implementations that include any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used here in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, procedures, actions, etc.When used in this context, the phrase "at least one of A and B" refers to implementations that include any one of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used here in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, procedures, actions, etc., the phrase "at least one of A or B" refers to implementations that include any one of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0040] As used here, singular references (e.g., "one," "first," "second," etc.) do not preclude a plurality. The term "one" object, as used here, refers to one or more of that object. The terms "one," "one or more," and "at least one" are used interchangeably here. Furthermore, several means, elements, or processes, although listed individually, may be implemented, for example, by the same entity or object. Although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may also potentially be combined, and inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that a combination of features of at least one is not feasible or advantageous.

[0041] As used here, the term "above" describes the relationship of two parts relative to the Earth, unless otherwise specified. A first part is above a second part if the second part has at least one part between the Earth and the first part. Likewise, as used here, a first part is "below" a second part if the first part is closer to the Earth than the second part. As stated above, a first part can be above or below a second part, with the following possible characteristics: other parts in between, no other parts in between, the first and second parts touching, or the first and second parts not being in direct contact.

[0042] Notwithstanding the foregoing, when referring to at least one semiconductor device (e.g., a transistor), a semiconductor die incorporating a semiconductor device, or an IC (integrated circuit) package incorporating a semiconductor die during fabrication or manufacturing, "above" does not refer to the ground but instead refers to an underlying substrate on which relevant components are fabricated, assembled, mounted, supported, or otherwise provided. As used here, and unless otherwise specified or implied from the context, a first component within a semiconductor die (e.g., a transistor or other semiconductor device) is "above" a second component within the semiconductor die if the first component is further supported by a substrate (e.g., a substrate) during fabrication / manufacturing.a semiconductor wafer) on which the two components are manufactured or otherwise provided is located further away than the second component. Likewise, unless otherwise specified or implied by the context, a first component within an IC package (e.g., a semiconductor die) is located "above" a second component within the IC package during manufacturing if the first component is located farther away from a printed circuit board (PCB) to which the IC package is to be mounted or attached. Semiconductor devices are frequently used in a different orientation than their orientation during manufacturing. Therefore, if one of the components of a semiconductor device (e.g.,where reference is made to a transistor), a semiconductor die comprising a semiconductor device, or an IC (integrated circuit) package comprising a semiconductor die during use, or a combination thereof, the definition of "over" in the preceding paragraph (i.e., the term "over" describes the relationship of two parts relative to earth) is likely to prevail based on the context of use.

[0043] As used in this patent, the indication that any part (e.g., a layer, a film, an area, a region, or a plate) is in any way located on another part (e.g., positioned on it, situated on it, arranged on it, or formed on it, etc.) means that the referenced part is either in contact with the other part, or that the referenced part is located above the other part with one or more intermediate part(s) in between.

[0044] As used here, references to connections (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and linked) can include intermediate elements between the elements referenced by at least one of the connection references or by a relative movement between those elements, unless otherwise specified. Therefore, references to connections do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected or in a fixed relationship to each other. As used here, the statement that any part is in "contact" with another part is defined to mean that there is no intermediate element between the two parts.

[0045] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, descriptors such as "first," "second," "third," etc., are used here without implying or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, or sorting. They are simply used as at least one of labels or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for the sake of clarity in the examples described. In some examples, the descriptor "first" may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element in a claim may be referred to by a different descriptor, such as "second" or "third." In such instances, these descriptors are used merely to distinguish those elements within the context of the discussion (e.g.,within a claim), in which the elements might otherwise, for example, have the same name, to uniquely identify.

[0046] As used here, "approximately" and "about" modify their objects / values ​​to account for the possible presence of variations that occur in real-world applications. For example, "approximately" and "about" can modify dimensions that may not be exact due to at least one of the manufacturing tolerances or other real-world imperfections. For example, "approximately" and "about" can indicate that such dimensions may fall within a tolerance range of + / - 10%, unless otherwise stated herein.

[0047] The term "essentially real-time" as used here refers to a near-instantaneous occurrence, taking into account that in reality there may be delays in processing time, transmission, etc. Unless otherwise specified, "essentially real-time" therefore refers to real-time + 1 second.

[0048] As used here, the term “in communication”, including variations thereof, includes one or a combination of direct communication or indirect communication through one or more intermediary components, and does not require direct physical (e.g., wired) communication or constant communication, but rather also includes selective communication at at least one of periodic intervals, scheduled intervals, aperiodic intervals, or one-off events.

[0049] As used here, “programmable circuit” is defined as having at least one of the following: (i) one or more specialized electrical circuits (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) structured to perform specific operation(s) and incorporating one or more semiconductor-based logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors); or (ii) one or more general-purpose semiconductor-based electrical circuits programmable with instructions to perform one or more specific function(s) or operation(s) and incorporating one or more semiconductor-based logic devices (e.g., electrical hardware implemented by one or more transistors). Examples of programmable circuits include programmable microprocessors, such as…Central processing units (CPUs) capable of executing first instructions to perform one or more operations or functions; field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) that can be programmed with second instructions to at least configure or structure the FPGAs to instantiate one or more operations or functions according to the first instructions; graphics processing units (GPUs) capable of executing first instructions to perform one or more operations or functions; digital signal processors (DSPs) capable of executing first instructions to perform one or more operations or functions; XPUs; network processing units (NPUs); one or more microcontrollers capable of executing first instructions to perform one or more operations or functions; or integrated circuits, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).For example, an XPU can be implemented by a heterogeneous computing system that includes several types of programmable circuits (e.g., one or more FPGAs, one or more CPUs, one or more GPUs, one or more NPUs, one or more DSPs, etc., and any combination(s) thereof) and orchestration technology (e.g., application programming interface(s) (API(s)) that can assign the computing task(s) to the one of the several types of programmable circuits that is suitable and available for performing the computing task(s).

[0050] As used here, an integrated circuit is defined as one or more semiconductor packages containing one or more circuit elements, such as transistors, capacitors, inductors, resistors, current paths, diodes, etc. For example, an integrated circuit can be implemented as one or more ASICs, FPGAs, chips, microchips, programmable circuits, semiconductor substrates coupling multiple circuit elements, systems-on-chips (SoCs), etc.

[0051] In this description, the term "coupler" can encompass connections, communications, or signal paths that enable a functional relationship consistent with this description. For example, if a device A generates a signal to control a device B to perform an action: (a) in a first example, device (A) is coupled to device B by a direct connection; or (b) in a second example, device A is coupled to device B by an intermediary component C, provided that the intermediary component C does not alter the functional relationship between device A and device B, such that device B is controlled by device A via the control signal generated by device A.

[0052] A device that is "designed" to perform a task or function can be designed by a manufacturer at a point in time (e.g., programmed or hardwired at least one component) to perform the function, or it can be configured (or reconfigured) by a user after manufacture to perform the function or other additional or alternative functions. Configuration can be achieved by at least one firmware or software programming of the device, by at least one assembly or layout of hardware components and connections of the device, or a combination thereof.

[0053] As used herein, the terms "terminal," "node," "connection," "pin," and "conduit" are used synonymously. Unless specifically stated otherwise, these terms are generally used to denote a connection between, or a termination of, a device element, circuit element, integrated circuit, appliance, or other electronic or semiconductor component.

[0054] In the description and claims, a described “circuit” may comprise one or more circuits. A circuit or device described herein as comprising certain components may instead be adapted to be coupled with those components to form the described circuit or device. For example, a structure described as comprising one or more semiconductor elements (such as transistors), one or more passive elements (such as one or a combination of resistors, capacitors, or inductors), or one or more sources (such as voltage and / or current sources) may instead comprise only the semiconductor elements in a single physical device (e.g., a transistor, a transistor, or a transistor).at least one of a semiconductor die or an integrated circuit package (IC package)) and can be adapted to be coupled with at least some of the passive elements or sources to form the described structure either at a time of manufacture or after a time of manufacture, for example by at least one of an end user or a third party.

[0055] Circuits described here are reconfigurable to accommodate the replaced components to provide functionality at least partially similar to that available before the component replacement. Components depicted as resistors, unless otherwise specified, generally represent one or more elements coupled either in series or in parallel to provide an impedance value represented by the resistor shown. For example, a resistor or capacitor shown and described here as a single component may instead be multiple resistors or capacitors, respectively, coupled in parallel between the same nodes.These are capacitors coupled in series between the same two nodes as the single resistor or capacitor. Although certain elements of the described examples are included in an integrated circuit and other elements are located outside the integrated circuit, in other embodiments additional or fewer features may be integrated into the integrated circuit. Furthermore, some or all of the features shown to be located outside the integrated circuit may be included in the integrated circuit, and some features shown to be located inside the integrated circuit may be integrated outside of the integrated circuit.As used here, the term “integrated circuit” means one or more circuits that are at least one of the following: (i) embedded in / over a semiconductor substrate; (ii) embedded in a single semiconductor package; (iii) embedded in the same module; or (iv) embedded in / on the same printed circuit board.

[0056] The use of the term "ground" in the foregoing description includes at least one of the following: a chassis ground, an earth connection, a floating ground, a virtual ground, a digital ground, a common ground, or any other form of ground connection applicable or suitable for the teachings of this description. Unless otherwise specified, "about," "approximately," or "essentially" means a value of + / - 10 percent of the stated value, or, if the value is zero, a reasonable range around zero.

[0057] Modifications are possible in the described embodiments, and other embodiments are also possible within the scope of the claims.

[0058] It is clear from the foregoing that examples of systems, devices, articles, and methods have been described that detect a circuit type and / or can use circuit type detection to configure the operation of a controller, such as an LED point controller. The described systems, devices, articles, and methods represent an improvement over previous controllers by enabling the use of a single controller with several different circuits (e.g., different types of LED driver circuits). Furthermore, disclosed controllers can adapt the operation to reduce the probability of leakage current (e.g., leakage current flowing through LEDs). The described systems, devices, articles, and methods also address one or more improvements in the operation of a machine, such as...a computer or other electronic, electromechanical or mechanical device.

Claims

[1] Detection circuit comprising: a bypass circuit designed to selectively bypass a number of LEDs from an LED driver, a first voltage detection circuit designed to compare a voltage at a first terminal of the series of light-emitting diodes with a first reference voltage and to output a first indication of the comparison, and a logic circuit designed to output a circuit type based on the first display. [2] Detection circuit according to claim 1, further comprising a second voltage detection circuit designed to compare a voltage at a second terminal of the series of light-emitting diodes with a second reference voltage and to output a second indication of the comparison. [3] Detection circuit according to claim 2, wherein the logic circuit is designed to output the circuit type based on the first display and the second display. [4] Detection circuit according to claim 1, which further comprises a pulse generator. [5] Detection circuit according to claim 4, wherein the pulse generator is a one-shot circuit. [6] Detection circuit according to claim 5, wherein the bypass circuit has a switch controlled by the one-shot circuit. [7] Detection circuit according to claim 6, wherein the switch is designed to couple the first terminal to a second terminal of the series of light-emitting diodes. [8] Detection circuit comprising: a switch having a first terminal designed to be coupled to a first terminal of a series of light-emitting diodes, and a second terminal that is coupled to a second terminal of the series of light-emitting diodes, a first comparator having a first input terminal coupled to the second terminal of the series of light-emitting diodes and a second terminal coupled to a first reference voltage, a second comparator having a first input terminal coupled to the first terminal of the series of light-emitting diodes and a second terminal coupled to a second reference voltage, and a logic circuit comprising a first input terminal coupled to an output of the first comparator, a second input terminal coupled to an output of the second comparator, and wherein the logic circuit is designed to output a display of a circuit type of a control of the series of light-emitting diodes. [9] Detection circuit according to claim 8, which further comprises a one-shot circuit, wherein the switch has a third terminal which is coupled to the one-shot circuit. [10] Detection circuit according to claim 9, wherein the logic circuit has a blocking terminal coupled to the one-shot circuit. [11] Detection circuit according to claim 8, wherein the first terminal of the series of light-emitting diodes is an anode of a first light-emitting diode of the series of light-emitting diodes, and the second terminal of the series of light-emitting diodes is a cathode of a second light-emitting diode of the series of light-emitting diodes. [12] Detection circuit according to claim 8, wherein the first reference voltage is greater than the second reference voltage. [13] Detection circuit according to claim 8, wherein the logic circuit is designed to output an indication that the circuit type is a current sink when the first comparator indicates that a voltage at the second terminal of the series of light-emitting diodes is greater than the first reference voltage. [14] Detection circuit according to claim 8, wherein the logic circuit is designed to output an indication that the circuit type is a current sink when the first comparator indicates that a voltage at the second terminal of the series of light-emitting diodes is less than the first reference voltage. [15] Light-emitting diode control comprising: a power source a power sink, a driver that is coupled to the power source and the power sink, a transistor coupled to an output of the driver, a switch having a first terminal which is coupled to an anode of a series of light-emitting diodes and a second terminal which is designed to be coupled to a cathode of the series of light-emitting diodes, a first comparator having a first input terminal coupled to the cathode of the series of light-emitting diodes and a second terminal coupled to a first reference voltage, a second comparator having a first input terminal coupled to the anode of the series of light-emitting diodes and a second terminal coupled to a second reference voltage, and a logic circuit comprising a first input terminal coupled to an output of the first comparator, a second input terminal coupled to an output of the second comparator, and an output to provide an indication of a circuit type of control of the series of light-emitting diodes to the current source and the current sink. [16] Light-emitting diode control according to claim 15, which further comprises a light-emitting diode driver coupled to the series of light-emitting diodes. [17] Light-emitting diode control according to claim 15, wherein the transistor has a source coupled to the anode of the series of light-emitting diodes and a drain coupled to the current sink. [18] Light-emitting diode control according to claim 15, wherein the current source has a current mirror. [19] Light-emitting diode control according to claim 18, wherein the current mirror is designed to be set in response to the circuit type output by the logic circuit. [20] Light-emitting diode control according to claim 18, wherein the current sink has a current mirror and the current mirror of the current sink is designed to be set in response to the circuit type output by the logic circuit.

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