LED driving devices and methods for operating thereof

Abstract

A device for light-emitting diode (LED) driving includes a communication interface configured to receive control signals for a plurality of LEDs respectively coupled to a plurality of LED channels; and an LED driver circuitry coupled to the communication interface and configured to generate at an output, an LED drive signal based on the control signals, the LED drive signal comprising a multiplexed signal with pulse- width-modulation (PWM) patterns comprising one or more signal portions respectively corresponding to one or more of the plurality of LED channels. The LED driver circuitry further includes a switching circuit configured to dynamically route the LED drive signal to at least one of the plurality of LED channels based on the control signals so that the generated LED drive signal is provided to a single LED channel at a time. The communication interface and driver circuitry are integrated in a single package.

Description

[0001] 2024P01031 P97466

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] LED DRIVING DEVICES AND METHODS FOR OPERATING THEREOF

[0004] Field

[0005] This present disclosure relates to lighting driving devices .

[0006] Background

[0007] Lighting or light-emitting diode (LED) driver channels are commonly used in parallel configurations to drive the individual colors in a Red-Green-Blue (RGB) integrated (RGBi) system. These configurations are designed to optimize performance and achieve maximum brightness for each color channel . However, in mid-power RGBi systems, the heat dissipation and power supply constraints become critical limiting factors . As a result, it is not feasible to drive all LED chips to their maximum performance simultaneously in a parallel configuration without exceeding thermal or power limitations .

[0008] Certain LED driver designs attempt to address these limitations through multiplexing techniques, which allow the sequential operation of LEDs to reduce thermal and power stress . However, such multiplexing methods are typically implemented in external driver circuits and are not readily integrated into a single RGBi integrated circuit ( IC) solution. Consequently, achieving an efficient and integrated approach to manage heat dissipation and power supply constraints in mid-power RGBi systems remains a significant technical challenge .

[0009] Description

[0010] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views . The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the2024P01031 P97466

[0011] disclosure . In the following description, various aspects of the disclosure are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a light driving device according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIGS . 2-5 each show a representation of an LED drive signal, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram for operating a lighting driving device according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure .

[0015] 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 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 . That is, it should be understood that, for clarity and consistency, the same or similar reference numerals are used throughout the figures to denote the same or similar elements, components, or features . Variations of the embodiments may include different combinations of these elements, but the2024P01031 P97466

[0016] - 3 -

[0017] reference numerals will maintain their correspondence to the particular elements where applicable . Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that proportions are not necessary to scale and that the size of features may be emphasized for ease of illustration.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a system diagram 10 for light-emitting diode (LED) driving. The system includes device 100 for LED driving. The device 100 includes a LED driver 150 that is operatively coupled to LED drive channels 160 (e . g. , LED drive channels 160a, 160b, and 160c) .

[0019] The LED driver circuitry 150 is implemented in hardware and / or software, designed to regulate and supply the appropriate voltage and current to an LED or array of LEDs . In a hardware implementation, it can include circuits for current control, voltage regulation, and protection against overvoltage or thermal conditions . In software, it may involve algorithms for the same functions .

[0020] In the example of FIG. 1, the LED drive channels 160a, 160b, and 160c are respectively electrically coupled to LEDs 170, namely to LEDs 170a, 170b, and 170c . In at least one example, the LEDs 170a, 170b, and 170c may respectively be a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED. However, other types or colors of LEDs may be used. Further, the number of LED drive channels 160 and the number of LEDs 170 connecting to the drive channels can vary in other instances . In one case, there may be four LED drive channels 160 respectively coupled to four LEDs 170, e . g. , a red, green, blue, and white LED. Other variations can be realized.

[0021] The LED channels 160 and the LEDs 170 can be considered as part of the system 10 and / or as part of the LED driving device 100. The LED driving device 100 can be electrically coupled to power supply terminal 105 (e . g. , 5V supply) and2024P01031 P97466

[0022] - 4 -

[0023] the LEDs 170 may be coupled to power supply terminal 15 (e . g . , 5V supply) .

[0024] In the example of FIG. 1, the LED driving device 100 includes a communication interface 120. The communication interface 120 is a circuit or component that is configured to exchange (transmit and / or receive) data signals from other devices or components . For example, the communication interface 120 can receive / transmit signals from / to a device or source that is external the device 100.

[0025] In this case, the communication interface 120 is at least configured to receive lighting or LED control signals for the plurality of LEDs 170 which are coupled to the plurality of LED channels 160.

[0026] The control signals obtained at the communication interface 120 can indicate or have information indicating one or more operating parameters for the plurality of LEDs . For instances, the control signals can include parameters for current control, (e . g. , current level (mA) to drive the LEDs) , voltage level, Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) , (e . g. , duty cycle and frequency for brightness control) , color control (e . g. , RGB values for multi-color LEDs) , power mode : (e . g. , on, off, standby) , and timing signals or timing information, e . g. , synchronization for patterns or effects, to name a few.

[0027] The LED driving device 100 further includes the LED driver circuitry 150. As shown, the LED driver circuitry 150 is operatively coupled to the communication interface 120 and can obtain LED control signals therefrom.

[0028] The LED driver circuitry 150 is configured to generate, e . g. , at its output, LED drive signals . A LED drive signal generated based on the control signals obtained from the communication interface 120. That is the LED drive signal2024P01031 P97466

[0029] - 5 -

[0030] patter is based on the operating parameters indicated in the control signal .

[0031] More specifically, the LED driver circuitry 150 is configured to produce or generate LED drive signals which are to be provided to the LEDs 170 via the LED channels 160.

[0032] In one or more instances, the LED drive signals can be considered as multiplexed signals including pulse-width-modulation (PWM) patterns . Further, the LED drive signals each include one or more (different) signal portions . The signal portions can each correspond to one of the plurality of LED channels 160, and by extension, to one of the plurality of LEDs 170. In at least one example, the LED driver circuitry 150 may separately generate the signal portions and then multiplex or combine them together into a LED drive signal or in other cases may generate in any other suitable manner .

[0033] The LED drive signals described herein can include segments or timeslots . These segments or time slots may each have or include one or more signal portions . For instance, a particular time slot or segment of the LED drive signal can have three signal portions that correspond respectively to the three LEDs 170 (e . g. , in the case of FIG. 1 ) . That is, the three signals portions can respectively correspond to the three LED channels 160a, 160b, and 160c .

[0034] In other cases, a time slot can have multiple signal portions that may refer to the same LED channel or LED (e . g. , in different instances in the segment) . In one example of a time slot with three signal portions, the first and third signal portions may refer to the same LED channel / LED while the second signal portions can refer to a different LED channel / LED. Different possibilities can be implemented .2024P01031 P97466

[0035] Still further, one or more of the signal portions which correspond to no LED channel or no LED, such as, for example, in the case where no LED is to be driven. These signal portions can be considered as a no signal or an OFF signal portions .

[0036] Again, there is no set number of signal portions in a time slot, and time slots with 0, one, two, three, four, etc . may be implemented.

[0037] In at least one example, a time slot may have a time duration of 2 milliseconds or less .

[0038] In context of the above examples for the LED drive signals, the use of the words "first", "second", and "third" signal portions can refer to how these signal portions are presented or arranged sequentially in the LED drive signal, either in order or in time .

[0039] Each segment or time slot of the LED drive signal may be implemented as a PWM pattern, as a multiplexed signal . That is, each segment includes PWM patterns for one or more LED channels / LEDs .

[0040] FIG. 2 shows a visual representation 200 of an example of at least portion of an LED drive signal which can be generated by the LED driver circuitry 150. The drive signal 200 shown includes two consecutive time slots or segments, 205a and 205b . Each time slot 205a and 205 includes PWM patterns (based on the control signals) for three LED channels 160 (for three LEDs 170) .

[0041] The first time slot or segment 250a of the LED drive signal includes a first signal portion 210a with a PWM pattern for the LED channel 140a coupled to the red LED 170a . Then the second signal portion 210b has a PWM pattern for the LED channel 160b coupled to a green LED 170b . The third signal2024P01031 P97466

[0042] portion 210c has a PWM pattern for the LED channel 160c for the blue LED 170c . These signal portions can be generated and multiplexed by the LED driver circuitry 150 to form or produce the LED drive signal 200.

[0043] In this case, the overall PWM pattern of the first time slot 205a is repeated for the second time slot 205b . ( In other instances, the first and second time slots can have PWM patterns different from each other) . The overall PWM pattern for a time slot can be a pattern to produce a "mixed color" light output, e . g. , a light output by the LEDs 170 in the example of FIG. 1, that is a light output that is a combination of the light output from all three LEDs 170. This outputted light may be perceived as "white light" . In this case, it shows that the second signal portion 210b, which in this case corresponds to the green LED, is longer, than the other LED or LED channels, which can also affect the color or perceived color .

[0044] FIG. 3 shows a visual representation 300 of another LED drive signal 300. This LED drive signal 300, e . g. , produced by the LED driver circuitry 150, includes consecutive time slots 305a and 305b . In this case, each time slot includes only a single signal portion 310a . That is, in this instance, each time slot includes only a single PWM pattern corresponding to only one LED, namely a red LED 170a, in this instance . In other cases, another LED or color could be indicated by the LED drive signal .

[0045] FIG. 4 shows a visual representation 400 of yet another example of an LED drive signal 400. The depicted signal 400 includes consecutive time slots, 405a and 405. In this case, each time slot has signal portions 410a-410f with the signal portions 410a, 410c, and 410e respectively corresponding to different LEDs ( 170a, 170bc, and 170c) . However, the signal portions 410a, 410c and 410e are "separated" or spaced apart from each other by a no signal or no signal portion OFF. The2024P01031 P97466

[0046] 8

[0047] no signal or OFF signal portion is where no LED is being driven or indicated to be driven. Therefore, at such instances no drive current is provided for any the of the LED channels 160.

[0048] The LED drive signal 400 can produce in the LEDs 170, a similar color to the mixed color (e . g. , white) produced by the LEDs in the example of FIG. 2. That is, when the signal portions of the LED signal drive signal are properly provided to the proper LED channels 160, the correct light color (e . g. , white light) can be produced by the LEDs 170. However, the light output by the LEDs 170 is dimmed due to the presence of the OFF or no signal portions of the LED drive signal . In other words, the inclusion or presence of LED OFF signal portions can be used and adjusted to control or affect the overall brightness of the light output by the LEDs .

[0049] FIG. 5 shows a visual representation 500 of another example of an LED drive signal 500. The signal 500 is somewhat similar to the LED drive signals depicted in FIG. 4 and FIG.

[0050] 2 and includes the consecutive time slots or segments 505a and 505b . It will also produce a mixed color (e . g. , white) in the output of the LEDs 170 when properly provided by the switching circuitry 155 to the correct LED channels 160. In this case, each time slot includes the signal portions 510a-510d with the first three signal portions (510a-510c) corresponding to red, green, and blue LEDs / LED channels .

[0051] However, unlike the LED drive signal 400 of FIG. 4, the signal 500 has the LED signal portions (510a-510c) in each time slot are immediately adj acent to each other (e . g. , no OFF signal portion therebetween) . These signal portions 510a-510c are followed sequentially in time or order by an OFF signal portion 510d (e . g. , no LED drive signal portion) .2024P01031 P97466

[0052] This signal arrangement can produce a similar light (e . g. , white light) output by the LEDs 170s by the signal 400 of FIG. 4. In this case as well, the light output by the LEDs 170 is dimmed. That is, the LED driver circuitry 150, in response to the control signals which indicates brightness, generates the OFF signal portions after the active or LED signal portions in each time slot, instead of between individual active LED signal portions within a time slot . This approach may produce better results .

[0053] The LED drive signals 200-500 shown may only be subset or partial view of the a LED drive signal . That is, an LED drive signal output by LED driver circuitry 150 may have more time slots or segments . Further, the LED driver circuitry 150 generates LED drive signals, e . g. , LED drive signals 200-500 with one or more duty cycles . A duty cycle indicates or sets the proportion of time the signal drives LEDs versus inactive (OFF signal portion (s) and is adjusted based on the characteristics of the received control signals .

[0054] Further, for the FIGS . 2-5, the height of the signals depicted can correspond to the intensity or peak electrical current to be provided along the LED channels 160. In at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the LED drive circuitry 150 is designed or configured to ensure that a specified peak current value (e . g. , maximum threshold) is not exceeded. Said differently, the LED drive circuitry 150 limits how much current flowing in the LED channels 160.

[0055] Referring back to FIG. 1, as previously mentioned, the LED driver circuitry 150, which is configured to generate a single LED drive signal at a time including multiplexed signal portions, includes a switching or switcher circuitry 155. The switching circuit 155 is configured to route the LED drive signal produced by the LED driver circuitry 150.2024P01031 P97466

[0056] 10

[0057] For instance, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the switching circuit 155 is configured to dynamically route the generated LED drive signal to one of the plurality of LED channels 160 based on the control signals . That is, the switching circuit 155 can be configured to dynamically route LED drive signal so that the LED drive signal is provided to a single LED channel at a time .

[0058] More specifically, the switching circuitry 155 can be configured to dynamically route the LED drive signal so that each portion or signal portion of the LED drive signal is routed to its corresponding LED channel 160 and thus to its corresponding LED 170.

[0059] For example, a case can exist where an LED drive signal includes a time slot with two signal portions, namely a "first" signal portion and a "second" signal, respectively corresponding to two different LED channels . The switching circuitry 155 is configured to first route the first signal portion of the LED signal to its corresponding LED channel and then switch so as to route the second signal portion of the LED drive signal to its corresponding LED channel or vice versa depending on the time order in which the first and second signal portions appear in the time slot .

[0060] In any event, the switching circuitry 155 is configured to use the control signal or signal provided to the LED driving device 100 to perform the switching which provides the signal portions to their appropriate destination, appropriate LED channel .

[0061] This switching or routing performed by the switching circuitry 155 also applies to cases or situations where there are on, two, three or more signal portions in a time slot or segment . In general, the switching circuitry 155 is configured to dynamically route, in a serial manner for2024P01031 P97466

[0062] instance, the signal portions to their corresponding or appropriate LED channels 160. Said differently, the switching circuitry 155 can "switch" the electrical connection from the output of the driver circuitry 150 to a selected one of the LED channels 160. Again, the switching circuitry 155 is configured to respond to the received or obtained control signals, which facilitate synchronizing the routing and selection of LED channels 160 to cause the signal portions of the LED drive signal to be directed appropriately .

[0063] The switching circuitry 155 is implemented in hardware and / or software, to direct an input signal (LED drive signal) to one or more output destinations (LED channels 160) based on the control signal (s) . In hardware, this may involve electronic components such as transistors, relays, or multiplexers that route electrical signals . In software, it typically uses logical constructs or algorithms to route data or instructions .

[0064] In at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the LED driver circuitry 155, is be configured not only to produce a multiplexed signal, e . g. , producing a LED drive signal so that each LED channel can generate or have an electrical drive current flowing that is less than or equal to a predefined or predetermined threshold. This limit set by a "maximum" threshold can further improve performance in terms of better heat dissipation and reduced power consumption. Such a benefit is evident in comparison to other or known LED drivers, especially those that implement parallel connections between LED driver and the LED channels / LEDs .

[0065] In one at least one case, the maximum threshold is user-adjustable or user-settable . That is, a user can use a device (e . g. , input device) that interfaces with the LED driver circuitry 150, e . g. , through the communication interface 120, to set the maximum threshold. In other cases,2024P01031 P97466

[0066] 12

[0067] the maximum threshold may be preset or factory set . In both cases, the maximum threshold may be stored or updated in a register of the LED driver circuitry 150. The LED driver circuitry 150 can use this information or stored value in generating the LED drive signal .

[0068] In at least one example, the maximum threshold may be in a range of from about 100 milliamps to about 300 milliamps .

[0069] In one or more examples, for the LED driving device 100, the communication interface 120 and the driver circuitry 150 (including the switching circuitry 155) are integrated in a single package . That is, the communication interface 120 and the LED driver circuitry 150 can be fabricated and / or assembled together within a same physical enclosure or chip to allow or enable them to function as a cohesive unit . For instance, the communication interface 120 and the driver circuitry 150 can be fabricated or implemented on a shared or common / shared substrate 102 in the same package .

[0070] FIG. 6 includes a flow chart showing a method 600 for operating a LED driving device . For example, the method 600 can be applied to devices such as the LED driving device 10 of FIG. 1. The method 600 includes, at 610, obtaining, at a communication interface, control signals for a plurality of LEDs coupled respectively to a plurality of LED channels .

[0071] At 620, the method 600 includes generating, by LED driver circuitry coupled to the communication interface, a LED drive signal based on the control signals, the LED drive signal comprising multiplexed signal with pulse-width-modulation (PWM) patterns and having one or more portions respectively corresponding to one or more of the plurality of LED channels .

[0072] At 630, the method 600 includes dynamically routing, by a switching circuit, the generated LED drive signal to the one2024P01031 P97466

[0073] 13

[0074] or more of the plurality of LED channels based on the control signals so that each portion of the LED drive signal is directed to its corresponding LED channel and so that the generated LED drive signal is routed to a single LED channel at a time .

[0075] The following examples concern or relate to aspects of the present disclosure .

[0076] Example 1 is a device for light-emitting diode (LED) driving, the device including: a communication interface configured to receive control signals for a plurality of LEDs respectively coupled to a plurality of LED channels; an LED driver circuitry coupled to the communication interface and configured to generate at an output, an LED drive signal based on the control signals, the LED drive signal comprising a multiplexed signal with pulse-width-modulation (PWM) patterns comprising one or more signal portions respectively corresponding to one or more of the plurality of LED channels, wherein the LED driver circuitry further comprises : a switching circuit configured to dynamically route the LED drive signal to at least one of the plurality of LED channels based on the control signals so that the generated LED drive signal is provided to a single LED channel at a time, and wherein the communication interface and driver circuitry are integrated in a single package .

[0077] For purposes of this disclosure, a multiplexed signal denotes a unified time-division drive signal generated by LED driver circuitry, wherein the signal includes a plurality of temporally successive signal portions . Each signal portion includes a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) pattern and corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of LED channels . The unified multiplexed signal is generated as a single electrical LED drive signal that sequentially represents drive information for multiple LED channels over time . The signal portions are temporally separated such that,2024P01031 P97466

[0078] at any given time, the multiplexed signal represents drive information for only one LED channel .

[0079] Each signal portion of the multiplexed signal defines at least a duty cycle corresponding to a desired operating condition of the associated LED channel and may further define additional signal characteristics, including but not limited to current amplitude, voltage level, frequency, or phase . The assignment of signal portions to LED channels may be predetermined or dynamically configurable .

[0080] Dynamic routing, as used herein, refers to the time-dependent selective coupling of the multiplexed signal to individual LED channels . The LED driver circuitry includes a switching circuit configured to selectively connect the multiplexed signal to one LED channel at a time based on one or more control signals . The control signals define a routing sequence that is synchronized with the temporal structure of the multiplexed signal such that each signal portion is delivered to the LED channel to which it corresponds . During each signal portion, the switching circuit establishes an electrical connection between the unified multiplexed signal and only the corresponding LED channel, while remaining LED channels are electrically isolated from the signal .

[0081] In one exemplary implementation, the LED driver circuitry generates a unified multiplexed PWM signal including a sequence of PWM frames, each frame being associated with a different LED channel . A controller generates control signals that actuate the switching circuit in synchrony with the PWM frames . During a first time interval, the switching circuit connects the unified multiplexed signal to a first LED channel such that a first PWM frame is applied to that channel . During a subsequent time interval, the switching circuit disconnects the first LED channel and connects the unified multiplexed signal to a second LED channel such that a second PWM frame is applied to the second LED channel . This2024P01031 P97466

[0082] 15

[0083] sequential routing continues for additional LED channels, whereby independent control of each LED channel is achieved using a single signal generation path.

[0084] Alternative implementations may employ different switching technologies, including semiconductor switches, analog multiplexers, or other controllable coupling elements, and the switching may be implemented on a high-side or low-side of the LED channels . The multiplexed signal is not necessarily limited to duty-cycle modulation and may encode channel-specific drive information using current modulation, voltage modulation, frequency modulation, or combinations thereof . The control signals governing the dynamic routing may be generated by a microcontroller, state machine, programmable logic device, or dedicated timing circuitry, and the routing sequence may be fixed, programmable, or adaptive based on operating conditions or system requirements .

[0085] Example 2 is the subj ect matter of Example 1, wherein the switching circuit is optionally configured to route the LED drive signal so that each portion of the LED drive signal is routed to its corresponding LED channel .

[0086] Example 3 is the subj ect matter of Example 1 or 2, wherein the LED drive signal optionally includes two or more signal portions corresponding to two or more LED channels of the plurality of LED channels, and wherein the switching circuitry is optionally configured to switch from routing from one LED channel to another LED channel in a serial manner .

[0087] Example 4 is the subj ect matter of Example 1, wherein the LED driver circuitry configured to generate the LED drive signal based on the control signals optionally includes the LED driver circuitry configured to dynamically generate the LED drive signal for a plurality of time slots so that for each time slot, the generated LED drive signal comprises one or2024P01031 P97466

[0088] 16

[0089] more signal portions respectively corresponding to one or more LED channels of the plurality of LED channels, and wherein the switching device is optionally configured, for each of the plurality of time slots, to dynamically route the LED drive signal in a serial manner so that each portion of the LED drive signal is routed to its corresponding LED channel .

[0090] Example 5 is the subj ect matter of Example 4, wherein for each time slot, the LED driver circuitry is optionally configured to output the LED drive signal so that each LED channel produces an electrical current less than or equal to a maximum threshold value .

[0091] Example 6 is the subj ect matter of Example 5, wherein the maximum threshold value is optionally in a range from 100 milliamps to 300 milliamps .

[0092] Example 7 is the subj ect matter of Example 5 or 6, wherein the maximum threshold value is optionally stored in a register of the device .

[0093] Example 8 is the subj ect matter of any of Examples 5 to 7, wherein the maximum threshold is optionally user-adjustable .

[0094] Example 9 is the subj ect matter of any of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of LED channels optionally includes a red LED channel, a green LED channel, and a blue LED channel .

[0095] Example 10 is the subj ect matter of any of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of LED channels optionally includes a white LED channel .

[0096] Example 11 is the subj ect matter of any of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the communication interface and driver circuitry are optionally integrated on a common substrate in the single package .2024P01031 P97466

[0097] Example 12 is the subj ect matter of any of Examples 1 to 11, which may further include the plurality of LEDs and the plurality of LED channels .

[0098] Example 13 is the subj ect matter of any of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the control signals optionally include or encode information indicating one or more operating parameters for the plurality of LEDs .

[0099] Example 14 is the subj ect matter of Example 13, wherein the one or more operating parameters optionally include color, brightness, and duty cycle, for the plurality of LEDs .

[0100] Example 1A is a method of operating a device for lightemitting diode (LED) driving, the method including: obtaining, at a communication interface, control signals for a plurality of LEDs coupled respectively to a plurality of LED channels; generating, by LED driver circuitry coupled to the communication interface, a LED drive signal based on the control signals, the LED drive signal comprising multiplexed signal with pulse-width-modulation (PWM) patterns and having one or more portions respectively corresponding to one or more of the plurality of LED channels; and dynamically routing, by a switching circuit, the generated LED drive signal to the one or more of the plurality of LED channels based on the control signals so that each portion of the LED drive signal is directed to its corresponding LED channel and so that the generated LED drive signal is routed to a single LED channel at a time .

[0101] Example 2A is the subj ect matter of Example 1A, wherein the LED drive signal optionally includes two or more signal portions corresponding to two or more LED channels of the plurality of LED channels, wherein dynamically routing optionally includes routing the LED drive signal in a serial manner to the two or more LED channels .2024P01031 P97466

[0102] Example 3A is the subj ect matter of Example 1A, wherein generating the LED drive signal based on the control signals optionally includes dynamically generating the LED drive signal for a plurality of time slots so that for each time slot the generated LED drive signal comprises one or more portions respectively corresponding to one or more LED channels of the plurality of LED channels, and wherein dynamically routing the LED drive signal optionally includes dynamically routing so that each portion of the LED drive signal is routed to its corresponding LED channel for each time slot .

[0103] Example 4A is the subj ect matter of Example 3A, wherein the dynamically generating the LED drive signal optionally includes dynamically generating the LED drive signal so that each LED channel produces an electrical current less than or equal to a maximum threshold value for each time slot .

[0104] Example 5A is the subj ect matter of Example 4A, wherein the maximum threshold value is optionally in a range from 100 milliamps to 300 milliamps .

[0105] Example 6A is the subj ect matter of Example 4A or 5A, which optionally further includes : obtaining, at a communication interface, a signal indicating a new maximum threshold value; and setting the new maximum threshold value as the maximum threshold value comprising storing the new maximum threshold in a register of the device .

[0106] Example 7A is the subj ect matter of any of Examples 1A to 6A, wherein the plurality of LED channels is optionally respectively coupled to a red LED, green LED, and blue LED.

[0107] Example 8A is the subj ect matter of any of Examples 1A to 7A, wherein at least one of the plurality of LED channels is respectively coupled to a white LED.2024P01031 P97466

[0108] Any of the aspects, examples, and / or embodiments described herein may be suitable or appropriately combined including combined with the embodiments or examples described herein.

[0109] 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 .

[0110] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase "A and / or B" means (A) , (B) , or (A and B) . For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase "A, B, and / or C" means (A) , (B) , (C) , (A and B) , (A and C) , (B and C) , or (A, B, and C) .

[0111] Reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" in the present disclosure means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment . The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment . The appearances of the phrase "for example, " "in an example, " or "in some examples" are not necessarily all referring to the same example .

[0112] 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 .2024P01031 P97466

[0113] The term "connected" or "on" 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) .

[0114] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adj ectives "first", "second", "third" etc . , to describe a common obj ect, merely indicate that different instances of like obj ects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the obj ects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner .

[0115] 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 obj ect, 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 . "

[0116] Such electric or electronic circuitry can be operated by a software application or a firmware application executed by one or more processors . The one or more processors can be internal or external to the apparatus and can execute at2024P01031 P97466

[0117] least a part of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, circuitry can be an apparatus that provides specific 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 specific integrated circuit (ASIC) , 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 "semiconductor substrate" can mean any construction comprising semiconductor material, for example, a silicon substrate with or without an epitaxial layer, a silicon-on-insulator substrate containing a buried insulator layer, or a substrate with a silicon germanium layer .

[0119] A lateral direction is understood to mean a direction that runs, in particular, parallel to a main extension surface of the component, in particular of a layer . A vertical direction is understood to mean a direction that is oriented, in particular, perpendicular to the main extension surface of the component and / or layer . The vertical direction and the lateral direction are approximately orthogonal to each other .

[0120] Further, spatially relative terms, such as "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature ' s relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures . The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation2024P01031 P97466

[0121] depicted in the figures . The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

[0122] 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 .

[0123] 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 buffered 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 .

[0124] Unless otherwise stated, the words "about" and "substantially" as used herein are to be construed as meaning the normal measuring and / or fabrication limitations related to the value or condition which the word "about" or "substantially" modifies . Unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "embodiment" is used herein to mean an embodiment of the present disclosure .2024P01031 P97466

[0125] 23

[0126] 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 .

[0127] 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 recognize 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 .

[0128] 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.

[0129] All acronyms defined in the above description additionally hold in all claims included herein.

[0130] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it is obvious that further embodiments may be implemented. For example, further embodiments may2024P01031 P97466

[0131] 24

[0132] comprise any subcombination of features recited in the claims or any subcombination of elements described in the examples given above . Accordingly, this spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

[0133] While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific 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 and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.2024P01031 P97466

[0134] - 25 -

[0135] Reference Numeral List

[0136] 10 system for LED driving

[0137] 15 power supply terminal

[0138] 100 LED driving device

[0139] 102 substrate

[0140] 105 power supply terminal

[0141] 120 communication interface

[0142] 150 LED driver circuitry

[0143] 155 switching circuitry

[0144] 160, 160a, 160b, 160c LED drive channels

[0145] 170, 170a, 170b, 170c LEDs

[0146] 200 LED drive signal

[0147] 205a, 205b LED drive signal time slots

[0148] 210a, 210b, 210c LED drive signal portions

[0149] 300 LED drive signal

[0150] 305a, 305b LED drive signal time slots

[0151] 310a, 310b, 310c LED drive signal portions

[0152] 400 LED drive signal

[0153] 405a, 405b LED drive signal time slots

[0154] 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410 LED drive signal portions 500 LED drive signal

[0155] 505a, 505b LED drive signal time slots

[0156] 510a, 510b, 510c, 510d LED drive signal portions 600, 610, 620, 630 method

[0157] GND ground reference

Claims

2024P01031 P97466- 26 -CLAIMS1. A device for light-emitting diode (LED) driving, the device comprising:a communication interface configured to receive control signals for a plurality of LEDs respectively coupled to a plurality of LED channels; andan LED driver circuitry coupled to the communication interface and configured to generate at an output, an LED drive signal based on the control signals, the LED drive signal comprising a multiplexed signal with pulse-width-modulation (PWM) patterns comprising one or more signal portions respectively corresponding to one or more of the plurality of LED channels,wherein the LED driver circuitry further comprises :a switching circuit configured to dynamically route the LED drive signal to at least one of the plurality of LED channels based on the control signals so that the generated LED drive signal is provided to a single LED channel at a time, andwherein the communication interface and driver circuitry are integrated in a single package .

2. The device of claim 1,wherein the switching circuit is configured to route the LED drive signal so that each portion of the LED drive signal is routed to its corresponding LED channel .

3. The device of claim 1 or 2,wherein the LED drive signal comprises two or more signal portions corresponding to two or more LED channels of the plurality of LED channels, andwherein the switching circuitry is configured to switch from routing from one LED channel to another LED channel in a serial manner .2024P01031 P974664. The device of claim 1,wherein the LED driver circuitry configured to generate the LED drive signal based on the control signals comprises the LED driver circuitry configured to dynamically generate the LED drive signal for a plurality of time slots so that for each time slot, the generated LED drive signal comprises one or more signal portions respectively corresponding to one or more LED channels of the plurality of LED channels, and wherein the switching device is configured, for each of the plurality of time slots, to dynamically route the LED drive signal in a serial manner so that each portion of the LED drive signal is routed to its corresponding LED channel .

5. The device of claim 4,wherein for each time slot, the LED driver circuitry is configured to output the LED drive signal so that each LED channel produces an electrical current less than or equal to a maximum threshold value .

6. The device of claim 5,wherein the maximum threshold value is in a range from 100 milliamps to 300 milliamps .

7. The device of claim 5 or 6,wherein the maximum threshold value is stored in a register of the device .

8. The device of any of claims 5 to 7,wherein the maximum threshold is user-adjustable .

9. The device of any of claims 1 to 8,wherein the plurality of LED channels comprises a red LED channel, a green LED channel, and a blue LED channel .

10. The device of any of claims 1 to 9,wherein the plurality of LED channels comprises a white LED channel .2024P01031 P974662811. The device of any of claims 1 to 10,wherein the communication interface and driver circuitry are integrated on a common substrate in the single package .

12. The device of any of claims 1 to 11, further comprising, the plurality of LEDs and the plurality of LED channels .

13. The device of any of claims 1 to 12,wherein the control signals indicating one or more operating parameters for the plurality of LEDs .

14. The device of claim 13,wherein the one or more operating parameters comprise color, brightness, and duty cycle, for the plurality of LEDs .

15. A method of operating a device for light-emitting diode (LED) driving, the method comprising:obtaining, at a communication interface, control signals for a plurality of LEDs coupled respectively to a plurality of LED channels;generating, by LED driver circuitry coupled to the communication interface, a LED drive signal based on the control signals, the LED drive signal comprising multiplexed signal with pulse-width-modulation (PWM) patterns and having one or more portions respectively corresponding to one or more of the plurality of LED channels; anddynamically routing, by a switching circuit, the generated LED drive signal to the one or more of the plurality of LED channels based on the control signals so that each portion of the LED drive signal is directed to its corresponding LED channel and so that the generated LED drive signal is routed to a single LED channel at a time .

16. The method of claim 15,wherein the LED drive signal comprises two or more signal portions corresponding to two or more LED channels of the plurality of LED channels,2024P01031 P9746629wherein dynamically routing comprises routing the LED drive signal in a serial manner to the two or more LED channels .

17. The method of claim 15,wherein generating the LED drive signal based on the control signals comprises dynamically generating the LED drive signal for a plurality of time slots so that for each time slot the generated LED drive signal comprises one or more portions respectively corresponding to one or more LED channels of the plurality of LED channels, andwherein dynamically routing the LED drive signal comprises dynamically routing so that each portion of the LED drive signal is routed to its corresponding LED channel for each time slot .

18. The method of claim 17,wherein the dynamically generating the LED drive signal comprises dynamically generating the LED drive signal so that each LED channel produces an electrical current less than or equal to a maximum threshold value for each time slot .

19. The method of claim 18,wherein the maximum threshold value is in a range from 100 milliamps to 300 milliamps .

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, the method further comprising :obtaining, at a communication interface, a signal indicating a new maximum threshold value; andsetting the new maximum threshold value as the maximum threshold value comprising storing the new maximum threshold in a register of the device .

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