DC Bus Voltage Level Management for Lighting Sensor Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems face challenges in enabling communication between a central unit and sensor devices when the voltage level on the DC bus is reduced, particularly in standby mode, without requiring additional communication lines.
Innovation Solution
The central unit generates at least two voltage levels on the DC bus, allowing communication with lamp operating devices and sensors via the same line used for energy supply, even in standby mode, using either the DC bus or a separate data line for bidirectional communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the voltage level on the DC bus is reduced in standby mode to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication between the central unit and sensor becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply function and communication function into a single DC bus line. During standby mode, the same DC bus that supplies power to the sensor also serves as the communication medium, allowing both functions to coexist on one line without requiring separate communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the DC bus by maintaining a reduced voltage level during standby mode that is sufficient for both sensor operation and communication. The sensor and central unit detect and process signals at this lower voltage threshold, enabling communication without requiring full power levels.
2Reliability
If a separate communication line is added to enable communication during standby mode, then communication capability is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DC bus is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the power supply line and the communication channel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate communication lines, reducing system complexity while maintaining communication capability during standby mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power supply function and communication function into a single DC bus line. During standby mode, the same DC bus that supplies power to the sensor also serves as the communication medium, allowing both functions to coexist on one line without requiring separate communication infrastructure.
3Loss of energy
If the voltage level on the DC bus is reduced in standby mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but the sensor cannot be powered sufficiently for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the DC bus by maintaining a reduced voltage level during standby mode that is sufficient for both sensor operation and communication. The sensor and central unit detect and process signals at this lower voltage threshold, enabling communication without requiring full power levels.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a central unit (10) which supplies a lighting-means operating device (20, 30) for a lighting means, preferably an LED module (4), by means of a DC bus. The lighting-means operating device (20, 30) has a sensor (23, 33). The central unit (10) produces a DC supply voltage for supplying the lighting-means operating device (20, 30). Data are transferred between the central unit (10) and the sensor (23, 33) of the lighting-means operating device (20, 30) by means of a line (3), by means of which the central unit (10) supplies the sensor (23, 33) of the lighting-means operating device (20, 30) with energy.