Diode Control Device Voltage Regulation Energy Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for controlling light intensity of laser or light-emitting diodes suffer from significant energy loss due to the current source being in series with the diode, leading to inefficient energy performance.

Innovation Solution

A control device that applies voltage to the anode of the diode based on signals from multiple input terminals, using a circuit with a comparator and adder to regulate the voltage, eliminating the need for a current source in series with the diode, thereby optimizing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a current source is used in series with the diode to control light intensity, then the light intensity control is achieved, but significant energy loss occurs due to voltage drop across the current source terminals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the current source from the series circuit configuration. Instead of using a current source in series with the diode, the invention uses a voltage-controlled current source configuration where the control circuit is connected in parallel with the diode through a resistor, extracting the problematic series current source element that caused energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by controlling the diode current through voltage control rather than direct current control. Instead of imposing current directly through a series current source, the invention applies voltage to the anode and uses the diode's inherent current-voltage characteristics along with a feedback resistor to control the current, effectively inverting the control mechanism from current-driven to voltage-driven.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Illumination intensity

If a current source in series with the diode is used for light intensity control, then the light intensity can be regulated, but the voltage drop across the current source terminals causes significant energy loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight intensityVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism using a resistor connected between the cathode and the control circuit input. This feedback resistor senses the voltage across the diode and feeds it back to the control circuit, allowing the system to automatically adjust the anode voltage to maintain the desired light intensity while minimizing energy loss. The feedback loop enables precise light intensity control without requiring a series current source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If voltage is applied to the anode as a function of control voltage without a series current source, then energy consumption is reduced, but precise current control becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy lossVSAvoidcurrent control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback resistor as an intermediary element between the diode and the control circuit. This resistor converts the diode voltage into a feedback signal that the control circuit uses to precisely regulate the anode voltage. The intermediary resistor enables precise current control through voltage control by providing a proportional feedback signal that reflects the actual diode operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3185650B1Device for controlling a diode
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 STMICROELECTRONICS (ALPS) SAS
  • EP3185650B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3185650B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3185650B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a diode control device (102) comprising: a first terminal (106) for applying a first supply potential; a second terminal (108) for applying a second supply potential; a circuit (301) for applying a voltage to a third terminal (306) intended to be connected to an anode (304) of the diode, said third terminal being connected to a first input terminal (308) of said circuit; a second input terminal (307) of said circuit; and a resistor (104) coupled between said second terminal (108) and a fourth terminal (311) intended to be connected to a cathode (309) of said diode, said fourth terminal being coupled to a third input terminal (310) of the circuit (301).