Open system star connection

Abstract

A lighting module including a plurality of strings, each string comprising a plurality of nodes, wherein each node is configured to receive and to transmit messages and wherein at least one of the nodes comprises a light source; and a controller coupled to the plurality of strings and configured to subsequently transmit an addressing message to the strings, wherein the addressing message causes the nodes of a string to determine an address in the lighting module, and to forward the message to a subsequent node. The last node of a first string of the plurality of strings submits an indication message to the controller indicating the address of the last node of the first string; and wherein the addressing message of the first node of a second string of the plurality of strings subsequent to the first string indicates to determine an address subsequent to the address of the last node of the first string.

Description

[0001] 2024P00642 P95497

[0002] 1

[0003] OPEN SYSTEM STAR CONNECTION

[0004] Description

[0005] This present disclosure generally relates to lighting communication .

[0006] FIG. 1A shows an example of a network 100. The network 100 includes a host 110 and a plurality of nodes 120. The host 110 can be a microcontroller or microcontroller unit (MCU) . As shown in FIG. IB, each node 120 can be a light emitting diode (LED) unit or LED module (e.g. RGBi) including red, green, and blue emitters 130, an LED driver 140, and a node controller or node controller circuitry 160, and input and output ports 165a and 165b, all which can be combined in one package. The node controller circuitry 160 may include communication circuitry for communicating with other nodes or microcontrollers coupled to the node 120. As shown, in the network 100, the MCU 110 is coupled to the nodes 120. For example, the nodes 120 and the MCU may be coupled via a bus connection 150.

[0007] The network 100 can be implemented in a variety of settings, such as in automotive fields. For example, the network 100 may be used to realize lighting effects in a vehicle interior.

[0008] The network 100, in the daisy chain configuration, can be controlled by the host / MCU 110 which sends transmissions to the first node in the chain. The first node will accept the data if it is targeted at this node or forward the data to the next node if it is targeted at another node.

[0009] As illustrated in FIG.1A, typically one long daisy chain is used only. However, parallel strips 102 connected may be preferred in an application, as illustrated in FIG.2. FIG.2 shows a diagram illustrating a star connection of strips 102 of nodes 120 directly behind a MCU 110. Note, each connection is terminated by an end-of-line (EOL) 112. Currently, a daisy chain connection of the nodes 120 may be implemented using an open system protocol 2024P00642 P95497

[0010] 2

[0011] (OSP) . If one MCU 110 is supposed to control more daisy chain connections, e.g. strips 102, for each MCU 110 an additional communication interface 106 and a translator RGBi / IC 104 is needed, as illustrated in FIG.2A. In other words, additional communication interfaces 106 at MCU side and additional 1st devices 104 (RGBi / SAID) as translator unit are used. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG.2B, a known stand-alone intelligent driver (SAID) integrated circuit (IC) may allow up to 4 parallel connections of strips 102 on one MCU 110 position. SAID has an additional address field included. Thus, SAID may handle a star connection with up to 4 parallel strips 102. However, this way, each 1st SAID in each strip needs to be configured individually, e.g. writing into the internal storage before connecting together, or by using PINs and an external resistor .

[0012] In other words, the known SAID-IC needs a fixed address before connecting to the full architecture. Thus, several parallel connections at MCU side with one communication interface or within daisy chain are required. However, in combination with an auto-addressing routine, all connected devices 120 are unaddressed after each power-on-reset (POR) .

[0013] It is an objective to provide a lighting module providing an improved coupling, e.g. having an increased flexibility of coupling, of various lighting modules.

[0014] The invention is set out in the appended set of claims.

[0015] In one aspect, a lighting module is provided including a plurality of strings, each string including a plurality of nodes, wherein each node is configured to receive and to transmit messages and wherein at least one of the nodes includes a light source; and a controller coupled to the plurality of strings and configured to subsequently transmit an addressing message to the strings. The addressing message causes the nodes of a string to determine an address in the lighting module, and to forward the message to a subsequent node. The last node of a first string of the plurality 2024P00642 P95497

[0016] 3 of strings submits an indication message to the controller indicating the address of the last node of the first string . The addressing message of the first node of a second string of the plurality of strings subsequent to the first string indicates to determine an address subsequent to the address of the last node of the first string .

[0017] This allows an easier addressing of the nodes of the lighting module .

[0018] In another aspect , a method for communicating with a plurality of lighting modules connected in a network, the network including : a plurality of strings , each string including a plurality of nodes , wherein each node is configured to receive and to transmit messages and wherein at least one of the nodes includes a light source ; and a controller coupled to the plurality of strings and configured to subsequently transmit an addressing message to the strings . The method including : sending a first addressing message to a first string of the plurality of strings , wherein the addressing message causes the nodes of the first string to determine an address in the lighting module , and to forward the message to a subsequent node . The last node of a first string of the plurality of strings submits an indication message to the controller indicating the address of the last node of the first string . The method further includes sending a second addressing message to a second string of the plurality of strings . The second addressing message of the first node of the second string indicates to determine an address subsequent to the address of the last node of the first string .

[0019] This allows an easier addressing of the nodes of the lighting module .

[0020] In the drawings , like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the di f ferent views . The drawings are not necessarily to scale , emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure . In the 2024P00642 P95497 following description, various aspects of the disclosure are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0021] FIG. 1A shows an example of a network including a host and a plurality of nodes;

[0022] FIG. IB shows an example of LED node or module;

[0023] FIG.2A and FIG.2B show diagrams illustrating a star connection directly behind a MCU;

[0024] FIG.3 shows a diagram illustrating a star connection directly behind a MCU in bidirectional mode;

[0025] FIG.4 shows a diagram illustrating a star connection directly behind a MCU and a loop back;

[0026] FIG.5A shows a diagram illustrating a star connection directly behind a strip on a PCB;

[0027] FIG.5B shows a diagram illustrating another star connection using a multiplexer; and

[0028] FIG.6 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for communicating with a plurality of lighting modules connected in a network.

[0029] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and aspects in which the disclosure may be practiced. One or more aspects are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure. Other aspects may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The various aspects described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some aspects can be combined with one or more other 2024P00642 P95497 aspects to form new aspects . Various aspects are described in connection with methods and various aspects are described in connection with devices . However, it may be understood that aspects described in connection with methods may similarly apply to the devices , and vice versa . Throughout the drawings , it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements , features , and structures . Throughout the drawings , it should be noted that proportions are not necessary to scale and that the si ze of features may be emphasi zed for ease of illustration .

[0030] As illustrated in FIG . 3 to FIG . 5B, the lighting module 100 may include a plurality of strings 102 and a controller 110 .

[0031] Each string 102 may include a plurality of nodes 120 . Each node 120 may be configured to receive and to transmit messages . At least one of the nodes 120 , e . g . of each string 102 or of a maj ority of strings , may include a light source 130 . At least for a subset of the strings , the nodes 120 of a common string 102 may be coupled in a daisy chain to each other . For example , at least one of the nodes 120 of at least of each string 102 of a subset of the strings 102 may include a light source 130 . The light source 130 may be a light emitting diode module with integrated circuit , RGBi .

[0032] The controller 110 may be coupled to the plurality of strings 102 . The controller 110 may be configured to subsequently transmit an addressing message to the strings 102 , e . g . to one string 102 at a time . For example , the controller 110 may use standby PINs . The standby PINs may require a connection 700 between the master CAN transceiver and each slave CAN transceivers for controlling the standby PIN . Thus , the subsequent transmitting of the addressing message to the strings 102 including an enabling of a communication interface 108 of the string 102 to be addressed and a disabling of a communication interface 108 of the other strings 102 of the plurality of strings . 2024P00642 P95497

[0033] The addressing message may cause the nodes 120 of a string 102 to take an address in the lighting module 100 . Alternatively, or in addition, the addressing message may cause the nodes 120 to forward the message to a subsequent node 120 . While the node 120 has taken an address , the controller 110 may be configured to cause the node 120 to retransmit or forward the addressing message to the subsequent node 120 in the string 102 indicating the address to be taken by the next node 120 .

[0034] The last node 120 of a first string 102 of the plurality of strings 102 may submit an indication message to the controller 110 . The indication message may indicate the address of the last node 120 of the first string .

[0035] The addressing message of the first node 120 of a second string 102 of the plurality of strings 102 subsequent to the first string 102 may indicate to take an address subsequent to the address of the last node 120 of the first string .

[0036] I llustratively, the addressing message may be sent subsequently string-by-string to each of the plurality of nodes 120 of a shared string such that each of the plurality of nodes 120 takes a unique address in the entirety of nodes 120 .

[0037] In other words , after addressing, each node 120 has its unique address and can be controlled individually . Readouts of the nodes 120 can be triggered from the MCU 110 without switching to di f ferent single daisy chains 102 . Thus , controlling of the full system 100 corresponds to a long virtual daisy chain connection of the strings 102 . In addition, daisy chain issues , for example i f one node 120 in a daisy chain 102 has a defect all nodes 120 behind are not controllable anymore , can be reduced because of more parallel connections of the strings 102 .

[0038] The nodes 120 may be configured to transmit a configuration message to the controller 110 . The configuration message may indicate the address of the node 120 and the device type of the node . After receiving an indication message from the last node 2024P00642 P95497

[0039] 120 of the entirety of nodes 120 the controller 110 may be configured to stop sending addressing messages.

[0040] The controller 110 may be configured to determine a power reset, and may be configured to start sending addressing messages after a power reset has been determined.

[0041] The controller 110 may be configured for Manchester encoding and / or decoding. Alternatively, the controller 110 may include a master control unit 110, MCU 110, and a translator unit 204 coupled between the MCU 110 and the plurality of strings 102. The translator unit 204 may be configured for Manchester encoding and / or decoding, e.g. in case the MCU 110 is not capable of Manchester encoding and / or decoding. The translator unit 204 and each of the strings 102 of the plurality of strings 102 may include a controller area network, CAN, interface 106, 108, and may be connected using a CAN bus 150.

[0042] The CAN bus 150 may be a CAN flexible data rate, CAN FD. The translator unit 204 may be any one of a light emitting diode module with integrated circuit, RGBi, and a stand-alone intelligent driver integrated circuit, SAID IC, for example. For each string 102, the CAN bus may include a transmission channel and a receiving channel (indicated in FIG.3 using the arrows) . The transmission channels may be connected in parallel with the translator unit 204. The receiving channels may be connected with the translator unit 204 using an AND-circuit 202.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG.3, at least a subset of the strings 102 may be configured for bi-directional communication. Thus, the indication message may be an end of line, EOL 112) message corresponding to an end of the string.

[0044] FIG.3 shows a diagram illustrating a star connection directly behind a MCU in a bidirectional mode. In the illustrated embodiment, controller area network (CAN) flexible data-rate (FD) transceivers 106 are connected with one translator unit 204, e.g. 2024P00642 P95497

[0045] 8 a first RGBi 204 or other translator IC 204 , i f the MCU 110 cannot do Manchester decoding .

[0046] The translator unit 204 may be configured to perform auto addressing . Auto addressing of the strips 102 may be performed in a strip-by-strip manner . The respective CAN FD 108 of a strip 102 may enabled and disabled via a standby PIN .

[0047] After addressing all CAN FD 108 , all strips 102 are connected in parallel with the translator unit 204 . For example , CAN FD Tx is parallel connected to translator unit 204 . CAN FD Rx is connected over an "And-logic" 202 to the translator unit 204 .

[0048] I llustratively, the MCU 110 enables each single CAN FD transceiver 106 , 108 110 during the auto addressing feature of the nodes 120 . The MCU 110 will receive the address of the last node 120 in a strip, e . g . due to an end of line connection or loop back signal , of the last node 120 in each strip 102 . The MCU 110 can use an address subsequent this address as start address to address the next strip 102 . After addressing ( all nodes have a unique address ) all CAN FD transceivers 106 , 108 are enabled and wi ll see and trans fer the commands from the MCU 110 towards all nodes 120 . Readout commands from the nodes 120 are requested from the MCU 110 only individual and a single answer may come back from the respective node to the MCU 110 only . CAN Rx Pins and a And-logic unit 202 may be used to allow a parallel connection in strings 102 having bi-directional communication, as illustrated in FIG . 3 .

[0049] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG . 4 , or in addition, at least a subset of the strings 102 may include a loop back connection to the controller 110 for uni-directional communication 320 using CAN FD interfaces 302 , 306 . Thus , the indication message may be a loop back signal .

[0050] FIG . 4 shows a diagram illustrating a star connection directly behind a MCU and a loop back . 2024P00642 P95497

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment , communications may be of a one- way-direction from the MCU to the nodes . The one-way directional communication may be performed by each strip 102 having a loop back connection to the MCU instead of an end of line connection .

[0052] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG . 5A and FIG . 5B, or in addition, at least one of the strings 102 of the plurality of strings 102 may include a cluster of strings . FIG . 5A shows a diagram illustrating a star connection directly behind a strip on a printed circuit board ( PCB ) . FIG . 5B shows a diagram illustrating an interface 500 of FIG . 5A. In other words , the first string 102 may include a plurality of nodes 120 connected in a first daisy chain, wherein a last node 120 of the first daisy chain may be coupled to a switching unit 502 , and wherein one or more second daisy chains of nodes 120 may be coupled to the switching unit 502 . Each of the nodes 120 of the second daisy chains takes an address such that the last node 120 of the first string 102 may be the last node 120 of the last second daisy chain . The switching unit may be any one of one or more multiplexers , one or more analog switches , or a combination thereof .

[0053] The switching unit 502 may be for example any one of a SAID in combination with an I2C Mux, analog switches , or LVDS Mux controlled by I2C . A „CAN modi" without CAN transceivers may be used for parallel connection . And-gate may be used for parallel connection of the outputs . A switcher as a switching unit may be controlled via an I2C

[0054] A MCU used at the end of a strip used in parallel behind MCU needs to understand and transfer data to the other strips . This feature and / or method may also be used i f the MCU is not directly connected to CAN FD transceivers means i f an additional IC ( SAID samples ready) can manage the switching between di f ferent strips during addressing phase after each Power on reset , for example by a Muxer / analog switcher controlled over the additional I C interface . This may increase the connection possibilities signi ficantly . 2024P00642 P95497

[0055] 10

[0056] FIG . 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 600 for communicating with a plurality of lighting modules connected in a network, the network may include : a plurality of strings , each string may include a plurality of nodes , wherein each node may be configured to receive and to transmit messages and wherein at least one of the nodes may include a light source ; and a controller may be coupled to the plurality of strings and configured to subsequently transmit an addressing message to the strings . The method 600 may include : sending 602 a first addressing message to a first string of the plurality of strings , wherein the addressing message causes the nodes of the first string to take an address in the lighting module , and to forward the message to a subsequent node , wherein the last node of a first string of the plurality of strings may submit an indication message to the controller indicating the address of the last node of the first string; and sending 604 a second addressing message to a second string of the plurality of strings , wherein the second addressing message of the first node of the second string indicates to take an address subsequent to the address of the last node of the first string .

[0057] The method 600 may further include features described in the context of the light emitting module .

[0058] In the following some examples are described, which relate to what is described herein and shown in the figures .

[0059] Example 1 is a lighting module including : a plurality of strings , each string including a plurality of nodes , wherein each node is configured to receive and to transmit messages and wherein at least one of the nodes includes a light source ; and a controller coupled to the plurality of strings and configured to subsequently transmit an addressing message to the strings . The addressing message causes the nodes of a string to determine an address in the lighting module , and to forward the message to a subsequent node . The last node of a first string of the plurality of strings submits an indication message to the controller indicating the address of the last node of the first string . The addressing message of the first node of a second string of the plurality of 2024P00642 P95497 strings subsequent to the first string indicates to determine an address subsequent to the address of the last node of the first string .

[0060] In Example 2 , the subj ect matter of Example 1 can optionally include that , while the node has taken an address , the controller is configured to cause the node to retransmit or forward the addressing message to the subsequent node in the string indicating the address to be taken by the next node .

[0061] In Example 3 , the subj ect matter of Example 1 or 2 can optionally include that wherein at least for a subset of the strings , the nodes of a common string are coupled in a daisy chain to each other .

[0062] In Example 4 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 1 to 3 can optionally include that at least one of the nodes of at least of each string of a subset of the strings includes a light source .

[0063] In Example 5 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 1 to 4 can optionally include that the light source is a light emitting diode module with integrated circuit , RGBi .

[0064] In Example 6 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 1 to 5 can optionally include that the controller includes a master control unit , MCU, and a translator unit coupled between the MCU and the plurality of strings .

[0065] In Example 7 , the subj ect matter of Example 6 can optionally include that the translator unit is configured for Manchester encoding and / or decoding .

[0066] In Example 8 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 6 to 7 can optionally include that the translator unit and each of the strings of the plurality of strings include a controller area network, CUN, interface , and are connected using a CU bus . 2024P00642 P95497

[0067] 12

[0068] In Example 9 , the subj ect matter of Example 8 can optionally include that the CAN bus is a CAN flexible data rate , CAN ED .

[0069] In Example 10 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 6 to 9 can optionally include that the translator unit is any one of a light emitting diode module with integrated circuit , RGBi , and a stand-alone intelligent driver integrated circuit , SAID IC .

[0070] In Example 11 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 1 to 9 can optionally include that the controller is configured for Manchester encoding and / or decoding .

[0071] In Example 12 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 1 to 11 can optionally include that , using standby PINs , the subsequent transmitting of the addressing message to the strings includes an enabling of a communication interface of the string to be addressed and a disabling of a communication interface of the other strings of the plurality of strings .

[0072] In Example 13 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 8 to 12 can optionally include that for each string the CAN bus includes a transmission channel and a receiving channel , wherein the transmission channels are connected in parallel with the translator unit , and wherein the receiving channels are connected with the translator unit using an AND-circuit

[0073] In Example 14 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 1 to 13 can optionally include that at least a subset of the strings is configured for bi-directional communication, and wherein the indication message is an end of line message corresponding to an end of the string .

[0074] In Example 15 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 1 to 13 can optionally include that at least a subset of the strings includes a loop back connection to the controller for unidirectional communication, and wherein the indication message is a loop back signal . 2024P00642 P95497

[0075] 13

[0076] In Example 16 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 1 to 15 can optionally include that at least one of the strings of the plurality of strings includes a cluster of strings .

[0077] In Example 17 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 1 to 15 can optionally include that the first string includes a plurality of nodes connected in a first daisy chain, wherein a last node of the first daisy chain is coupled to a switching unit , and wherein one or more second daisy chains of nodes are coupled to the switching unit .

[0078] In Example 18 , the subj ect matter of Example 17 can optionally include that each of the nodes of the second daisy chains determines an address such that the last node of the first string is the last node of the last second daisy chain .

[0079] In Example 19 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 17 to 18 can optionally include that the switching unit is any one of one or more multiplexers , one or more analog switches , or a combination thereof .

[0080] In Example 20 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 1 to 19 can optionally include that the lighting module includes a plurality of nodes , and wherein the addressing message is sent to each of the plurality of nodes such that each of the plurality of nodes takes a unique address in the entirety of nodes .

[0081] In Example 21 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 1 to 20 can optionally include that the nodes are configured to transmit a configuration message to the controller, wherein the configuration message indicates the address of the node and the device type of the node .

[0082] In Example 22 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 1 to 21 can optionally include that after receiving an indication message from the last node of the entirety of nodes the controller is configured to stop sending addressing messages . 2024P00642 P95497

[0083] 14

[0084] In Example 23 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 1 to 22 can optionally include that the controller is configured to determine a power reset , and is configured to start sending addressing messages after the power reset has been determined .

[0085] Example 24 is a method for communicating with a plurality of lighting modules connected in a network, the network including : a plurality of strings , each string including a plurality of nodes , wherein each node is configured to receive and to transmit messages and wherein at least one of the nodes includes a light source ; and a controller coupled to the plurality of strings and configured to subsequently transmit an addressing message to the strings . The method including : sending a first addressing message to a first string of the plurality of strings , wherein the addressing message causes the nodes of the first string to determine an address in the lighting module , and to forward the message to a subsequent node . The last node of a first string of the plurality of strings submits an indication message to the controller indicating the address of the last node of the first string . The method may further include sending a second addressing message to a second string of the plurality of strings . The second addressing message of the first node of the second string indicates to determine an address subsequent to the address of the last node of the first string .

[0086] In Example 25 , the subj ect matter of Example 24 can optionally include that while the node has taken an address , the controller is configured to cause the node to retransmit or forward the addressing message to the subsequent node in the string indicating the address to be taken by the next node .

[0087] In Example 26 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 24 to 25 can optionally include that at least for a subset of the strings , the nodes of a common string are coupled in a daisy chain to each other . 2024P00642 P95497

[0088] 15

[0089] In Example 27 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 24 to 26 can optionally include that at least one of the nodes of at least of each string of a subset of the strings includes a light source .

[0090] In Example 28 , the subj ect matter of Example 27 can optionally include that the light source is a light emitting diode module with integrated circuit , RGBi .

[0091] In Example 29 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 24 to 28 can optionally include that the controller includes a master control unit , MCU, and a translator unit coupled between the MCU and the plurality of strings .

[0092] In Example 30 , the subj ect matter of Example 29 can optionally include that the translator unit is configured for Manchester encoding and / or decoding .

[0093] In Example 31 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 29 to 30 can optionally include that the translator unit and each of the strings of the plurality of strings include a controller area network, CAN, interface , and are connected using a CAN bus .

[0094] In Example 32 , the subj ect matter of Example 31 can optionally include that the CAN bus is a CAN flexible data rate , CAN ED .

[0095] In Example 33 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 24 to 21 can optionally include that the translator unit is any one of a light emitting diode module with integrated circuit , RGBi , and a stand-alone intelligent driver integrated circuit , SAID IC .

[0096] In Example 34 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 29 to 33 can optionally include that the controller is configured for Manchester encoding and / or decoding .

[0097] In Example 35 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 24 to 34 can optionally include that , using standby PINs , the subsequent transmitting of the addressing message to the strings includes an enabling of a communication interface of the string to be 2024P00642 P95497

[0098] 16 addressed and a disabling of a communication interface of the other strings of the plurality of strings .

[0099] In Example 36 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 32 to 35 can optionally include that for each string the CAN bus includes a transmission channel and a receiving channel , wherein the transmission channels are connected in parallel with the translator unit , and wherein the receiving channels are connected with the translator unit using an AND-circuit

[0100] In Example 37 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 24 to 36 can optionally include that at least a subset of the strings is configured for bi-directional communication, and wherein the indication message is an end of line message corresponding to an end of the string .

[0101] In Example 38 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 24 to 37 can optionally include that at least a subset of the strings includes a loop back connection to the controller for unidirectional communication, and wherein the indication message is a loop back signal .

[0102] In Example 39 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 24 to 38 can optionally include that at least one of the strings of the plurality of strings includes a cluster of strings .

[0103] In Example 40 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 24 to 39 can optionally include that the first string includes a plurality of nodes connected in a first daisy chain, wherein a last node of the first daisy chain is coupled to a switching unit , and wherein one or more second daisy chains of nodes are coupled to the switching unit .

[0104] In Example 41 , the subj ect matter of Example 40 can optionally include that each of the nodes of the second daisy chains determines an address such that the last node of the first string is the last node of the last second daisy chain . 2024P00642 P95497

[0105] 17

[0106] In Example 42 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 40 to 41 can optionally include that the switching unit is any one of one or more multiplexers , one or more analog switches , or a combination thereof .

[0107] In Example 43 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 24 to 42 can optionally include that the lighting module includes a plurality of nodes , and wherein the addressing message is sent to each of the plurality of nodes such that each of the plurality of nodes takes a unique address in the entirety of nodes .

[0108] In Example 44 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 24 to 43 can optionally include that the nodes are configured to transmit a configuration message to the controller, wherein the configuration message indicates the address of the node and the device type of the node .

[0109] In Example 45 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 24 to 44 can optionally include that after receiving an indication message from the last node of the entirety of nodes the controller is configured to stop sending addressing messages .

[0110] In Example 46 , the subj ect matter of any one of Examples 24 to 45 can optionally include that the controller is configured to determine a power reset , and is configured to start sending addressing messages after the power reset has been determined .

[0111] The examples above may be combined with each other in any suitable manner . For example , any apparatus of devices described herein may be implemented as a method and methods described herein may be implemented as an apparatus or device .

[0112] The word „exemplary" is used herein to mean „serving as an example , instance , or illustration . " Any example or design described herein as „exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other examples or designs . 2024P00642 P95497

[0113] The words „plurality" and „multiple" in the description or the claims expressly refer to a quantity greater than one. The terms „group (of) ", „set [of] ", „collection (of) ", „series (of) ", „sequence (of)", „grouping (of)", etc., and the like in the description or in the claims refer to a quantity equal to or greater than one, i.e. one or more. Any term expressed in plural form that does not expressly state „plurality" or „multiple" likewise refers to a quantity equal to or greater than one.

[0114] The term "Connected" can be understood in the sense of a (e.g. mechanical, optical and / or electrical) , e.g. direct or indirect, connection and / or interaction. For example, several elements can be connected together mechanically such that they are physically retained (e.g., a plug connected to a socket) and electrically such that they have an electrically conductive path (e.g., signal paths exist along a communicative chain) .

[0115] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives „first", „second", „third" etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0116] As utilized herein, terms „module", "Component," „system, " „circuit," „element," „slice," „circuitry, " and the like are intended to refer to a set of one or more electronic components, a computer-related entity, hardware, software (e.g., in execution) , and / or firmware. For example, circuitry or a similar term can be a processor, a process running on a processor, a controller, an object, an executable program, a storage device, and / or a computer with a processing device. By way of illustration, an application running on a server and the server can also be circuitry. One or more circuits can reside within the same circuitry, and circuitry can be localized on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. A set of elements or a set of other circuits can be described herein, in which the term „set" can be interpreted as „one or more." 2024P00642 P95497

[0117] Such electric or electronic circuitry can be operated by a software application or a firmware appl ication executed by one or more processors . The one or more processors can be internal or external to the apparatus and can execute at least a part of the software or firmware application . As yet another example , circuitry can be an apparatus that provides speci fic functionality through electronic components without mechanical parts ; the electronic components can include one or more processors therein to execute executable instructions stored in computer readable storage medium and / or firmware that confer ( s ) , at least in part , the functionality of the electronic components . As another example, circuitry or similar term can be implemented in hardware such as application speci fic integrated circuit (AS IC ) , programmable gate array ( PGA) , discrete digital circuits , etc . ) or in a combination of hardware and software ( e . g . , a software model executed by a corresponding processor ) .

[0118] The term „data" as used herein may be understood to include information in any suitable analog or digital form, e . g . , provided as a file , a portion of a file , a set of files , a signal or stream, a portion of a signal or stream, a set of signals or streams , and the like . Further, the term „data" may also be used to mean a reference to information, e . g . , in form of a pointer . The term data, however, is not limited to the aforementioned examples and may take various forms and represent any information as understood in the art .

[0119] As used herein, a signal that is "indicative of" a value or other information may be a digital or analog signal that encodes or otherwise communicates the value or other information in a manner that can be decoded by and / or cause a responsive action in a component receiving the signal . The signal may be stored or buf fered in computer readable storage medium prior to its receipt by the receiving component and the receiving component may retrieve the signal from the storage medium . Further, a „value" that is "indicative of" some quantity, state , or parameter may be physically embodied as a digital signal , an analog signal , or stored bits that encode or otherwise communicate the value . 2024P00642 P95497

[0120] 20

[0121] As used herein, a signal may be transmitted or conducted through a signal chain in which the signal is processed to change characteristics such as phase , amplitude , frequency, and so on . The signal may be referred to as the same signal even as such characteristics are adapted . In general , so long as a signal continues to encode the same information, the signal may be considered as the same signal . For example , a transmit signal may be considered as referring to the transmit signal in baseband, intermediate , and radio frequencies .

[0122] While the above descriptions and connected figures may depict device components as separate elements , skilled persons will appreciate the various possibilities to combine or integrate discrete features , functions into a single element . Such may include combining two or more components into a single component . Conversely, skilled persons will recogni ze the possibility to separate a single element into two or more discrete elements , such as splitting a single component into two or more separate components .

[0123] It is appreciated that implementations of methods detailed herein are exemplary in nature , and are thus understood as capable of being implemented in a corresponding device . Likewise , it is appreciated that implementations of devices detailed herein are understood as capable of being implemented as a corresponding method . It is thus understood that a device corresponding to a method detailed herein may include one or more components configured to perform each aspect of the related method .

[0124] All acronyms defined in the above description additionally hold in all claims included herein .

[0125] While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to speci fic embodiments , it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims . The scope of the disclosure is thus indicated by the appended claims 2024P00642 P95497

[0126] 21 and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced .

[0127] 2024P00642 P95497

[0128] 22

[0129] Reference Numeral List

[0130] 100 network / lighting module

[0131] 102 strings

[0132] 104 translator unit

[0133] 106 , 108 CAN interface

[0134] 110 host / microcontroller / MCU

[0135] 112 end of line

[0136] 120 node / LED unit / RGBi

[0137] 130 light emitter

[0138] 140 driver / LED driver

[0139] 150 ( CAN) bus connection

[0140] 160 node controller / controller circuitry

[0141] 165a input port

[0142] 165b output port

[0143] 202 logic AND-circuitry

[0144] 204 translator unit

[0145] 302 , 306 CAN interface

[0146] 320 loop back connection

[0147] 500 cluster interface

[0148] 502 switching unit

[0149] 600 , 602 , 604 method and method steps

[0150] 700 standby PIN connection

Claims

2024P00642 P9549723CLAIMS1 . A lighting module comprising : a plurality of strings , each string comprising a plurality of nodes , wherein each node is configured to receive and to transmit messages and wherein at least one of the nodes comprises a light source ; and a controller coupled to the plurality of strings and configured to subsequently transmit an addressing message to the strings , wherein the addressing message causes the nodes of a string to determine an address in the lighting module , and to forward the message to a subsequent node , wherein the last node of a first string of the plurality of strings submits an indication message to the controller indicating the address of the last node of the first string; and wherein the addressing message of the first node of a second string of the plurality of strings subsequent to the first string indicates to determine an address subsequent to the address of the last node of the first string .2 . The lighting module of claim 1 , wherein at least for a subset of the strings , the nodes of a common string are coupled in a daisy chain to each other .3 . The lighting module of any one of claims 1 to 2 , wherein the controller comprises a master control unit , MCU, and a translator unit coupled between the MCU and the plurality of strings .4 . The lighting module of claim 3 , wherein the translator unit is configured for Manchester encoding and / or decoding .5 . The lighting module of any one of claims 3 or 4 , wherein the translator unit and each of the strings of the plurality of strings comprise a controller area network, CAN, interface , and are connected using a CAN bus .2024P00642 P95497246 . The lighting module of claim 1 to 5 , wherein the CAN bus is a CAN flexible data rate , CAN FD .7 . The lighting module of claim 1 to 6 , wherein the translator unit is any one of a light emitting diode module with integrated circuit , RGBi , and a stand-alone intelligent driver integrated circuit , SAID IC .8 . The lighting module of any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein, using standby PINs , the subsequent transmitting of the addressing message to the strings comprises an enabling of a communication interface of the string to be addressed and a disabling of a communication interface of the other strings of the plurality of strings .9 . The lighting module of any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein for each string the CAN bus comprises a transmission channel and a receiving channel , wherein the transmission channels are connected in parallel with the translator unit , and wherein the receiving channels are connected with the translator unit using an AND-circuit10 . The lighting module of any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein at least a subset of the strings is configured for bi-directional communication, and wherein the indication message is an end of line message corresponding to an end of the string .11 . The lighting module of any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein at least a subset of the strings comprises a loop back connection to the controller for uni-directional communication, and wherein the indication message is a loop back signal .12 . The lighting module of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the first string comprises a plurality of nodes connected in a first daisy chain, wherein a last node of the first daisy chain is coupled to a switching unit , and wherein one or2024P00642 P9549725 more second daisy chains of nodes are coupled to the switching unit .13 . The lighting module of claim 12 , wherein each of the nodes of the second daisy chains determines an address such that the last node of the first string is the last node of the last second daisy chain .14 . The lighting module of any one of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the nodes are configured to transmit a configuration message to the controller, wherein the configuration message indicates the address of the node and the device type of the node .15 . The lighting module of any one of claims 1 to 14 , wherein, after receiving an indication message from the last node of the entirety of nodes , the controller is configured to stop sending addressing messages .16 . The lighting module of any one of claims 1 to 15 , wherein the controller is configured to determine a power reset , and is configured to start sending addressing messages after the power reset has been determined .17 . A method for communicating with a plurality of lighting modules connected in a network, the network comprising : a plurality of strings , each string comprising a plurality of nodes , wherein each node is configured to receive and to transmit messages and wherein at least one of the nodes comprises a light source ; a controller coupled to the plurality of strings and configured to subsequently transmit an addressing message to the strings , the method comprising : sending a first addressing message to a first string of the plurality of strings , wherein the addressing message causes the nodes of the first string to determine an address in the lighting module , and to forward the message to a subsequent node ,2024P00642 P9549726 wherein the last node of a first string of the plurality of strings submits an indication message to the controller indicating the address of the last node of the first string; and sending a second addressing message to a second string of the plurality of strings , wherein the second addressing message of the first node of the second string indicates to determine an address subsequent to the address of the last node of the first string .

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