Analog Dimming Conversion Circuit for Wide Voltage Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current analog dimming technology has a limited dimming capability due to its narrow voltage range, which restricts the ability to adjust LED brightness effectively across the full range of 0 V to 3.3 V, as it can only perform linear dimming between 0.5 V and 2.5 V.

Innovation Solution

An analog dimming conversion circuit comprising a first voltage dividing unit, a second voltage dividing unit, and a constant voltage unit, which converts an input signal with a large voltage range into intermediate voltages that are then voltage divided to produce an output signal within the effective dimming range of 0.5 V to 2.5 V, expanding the dimming range and improving capability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If analog dimming technology is used with a narrow voltage range (0.5V to 2.5V), then the dimming process is simple and noise-free, but the dimming range is limited and cannot cover the full 0V to 3.3V range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimming process simplicityVSAvoiddimming range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the voltage adjustment process into two independent stages: a coarse adjustment stage handling the 0V to 3.3V full range and a fine adjustment stage handling the 0.5V to 2.5V precise dimming range. This segmentation allows each stage to specialize in its function, resolving the contradiction between wide range coverage and precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary conversion circuit between the wide-range voltage input and the narrow-range dimming control. This intermediary stage converts the broad 0V to 3.3V input range into the precise 0.5V to 2.5V range required by the LED dimming circuit, enabling both wide adaptability and precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the voltage range is expanded to cover 0V to 3.3V, then the dimming capability is improved, but the circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimming rangeVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the voltage control function into two independent operational modes: a first voltage dividing unit for coarse adjustment covering 0V to 3.3V, and a second voltage dividing unit for fine adjustment covering 0.5V to 2.5V. This segmentation distributes circuit complexity across specialized modules rather than requiring a single complex circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different voltage dividing units based on the required dimming range. The system automatically selects the appropriate voltage dividing unit (first or second) depending on whether wide-range or precise control is needed, optimizing circuit complexity for each operating condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The proposed solution allows for the expansion of the dimming range of analog dimming technology, enabling effective brightness adjustment across the full 0 V to 3.3 V range, thereby enhancing the dimming capability of display devices.

Implementation Method 1

an input end of said first voltage dividing unit receives an analog dimming input signal, and an output end of said first voltage dividing unit outputs a first intermediate voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage division: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

a first input end and a second input end of said second voltage dividing unit receive said first intermediate voltage and said second intermediate voltage respectively, and an output end of said second voltage dividing unit outputs an analog dimming output signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage division: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS9408260B2Analog dimming conversion circuit and display device
Publication Date: 2016.08.02 TCL CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US9408260B2 patent drawing
  • US9408260B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An analog dimming conversion circuit includes a first voltage dividing unit, a second voltage dividing unit, and a constant voltage unit. An input end of the first voltage dividing unit receives an analog dimming input signal. An output end of the first voltage dividing unit outputs a first intermediate voltage. An output end of the constant voltage unit outputs a second intermediate voltage which is constant. A first input end and a second input end of the second voltage dividing unit receive the first intermediate voltage and the second intermediate voltage respectively. An output end of the second voltage dividing unit outputs an analog dimming output signal. The analog dimming conversion circuit of the present disclosure can be used in liquid crystal TV, liquid crystal display, mobile phone, tablet personal computer, and other display devices with analog dimming function.