Dimmer Mode Detection Circuit for SSL Drivers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid-state lighting (SSL) devices face challenges in achieving accurate and flexible dimming when operated with various legacy dimmer models, leading to inconsistent performance and reduced dynamic range.

Innovation Solution

A control circuit for a power converter is developed, comprising a dimmer mode detection unit, state processor, and programmable state machine architecture, which adapts the operation of the SSL device to different dimmer types by determining the dimmer mode and generating control signals to optimize power conversion and illumination levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If SSL devices are operated with various legacy dimmer models, then compatibility is improved, but dimming accuracy and dynamic range deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with dimmer modelsVSAvoiddimming accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control circuit that automatically detects the dimmer type (leading-edge or trailing-edge) and adapts its operation accordingly. The control circuit switches between different control modes based on the detected dimmer configuration, enabling accurate dimming across multiple dimmer types without sacrificing precision. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible enough to handle various dimmers while maintaining high dimming accuracy through mode-specific control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a fixed control mode is used for SSL devices, then control simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different dimmer types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol circuit simplicityVSAvoidsupport for multiple dimmer types
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit incorporates automatic dimmer type detection functionality that enables the system to self-identify the connected dimmer type and select the appropriate control mode without user intervention. This self-service mechanism allows the control circuit to support multiple dimmer types while maintaining relatively simple operation for the end user, as the system automatically configures itself based on the detected dimmer configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If dimming range is extended to cover all legacy dimmers, then compatibility is improved, but dimming precision at extreme ranges deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimming range coverageVSAvoiddimming precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by implementing different control algorithms and parameters specific to each dimmer type. When leading-edge dimmers are detected, the control circuit applies optimization parameters suited for leading-edge phase cutting, while trailing-edge dimmers trigger a different set of parameters optimized for trailing-edge cutting. This parameter adaptation enables the system to maintain high dimming precision across the entire extended range by adjusting control parameters according to the specific dimmer type being used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2830394B1Programmable Phase-cut Dimmer Operation
Publication Date: 2018.08.22 DIALOG SEMICON GMBH
  • EP2830394B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2830394B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2830394B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The present document relates to solid state lighting (SSL) devices. In particular, the present document relates to a driver circuit for phase-cut dimmable SSL based lighting assemblies. A control circuit (150) for a power converter (130) is described. The power converter (130) is configured to convert an input power (171) derived from a mains power supply into a drive power (175) for a light source (140). The control circuit (150) comprises a dimmer mode detection unit (157) configured to determine a first dimmer mode (187) from a plurality of predetermined dimmer modes (187), based on one or more sensor signals (181) sensed at corresponding one or more nodes of the power converter (130). The first dimmer mode (187) is indicative of whether or not the input power (171) has been derived from the mains power supply using a dimmer (110). Furthermore, the control circuit (150) comprises a state processor (158) configured to determine a first operation mode (185) of the power converter (130) based on pre-determined first state information (321). The pre-determined first state information (321) is dependent on the first dimmer mode (187). In addition, the control circuit (150) comprises a first control unit (153) configured to generate a first control signal (186) for operating the power converter (130) in accordance to the first operation mode (185).