Galvanic Isolation Barrier Dimming Control via Master-Slave Wireless Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lamp operating devices with SELV barriers incur high manufacturing costs due to the need for expensive components like optocouplers or transformers to transmit dimming information across the galvanic isolation barrier.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a master-slave system with a primary-side circuit and secondary-side circuit separated by galvanic isolation, where dimming information is transmitted via a unidirectional or bidirectional wireless channel, eliminating the need for costly optocouplers or transformers by using a local bus, wireless connection, or powerline communication within the galvanic isolation barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optocouplers or transformers are used to transmit dimming information across the SELV barrier, then reliable communication is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master module on the secondary side as an intermediary that receives dimming information from the primary side and forwards it to slave modules. This master module acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for expensive optocouplers or transformers on each converter stage, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining communication reliability through a centralized approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a master-slave architecture where the master module receives the original dimming information and creates copies to distribute to multiple slave modules. This copying mechanism allows the same dimming signal to be transmitted to multiple converter stages without requiring expensive isolation components at each stage, thus reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining signal integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple converter stages are arranged in parallel on the secondary side with individual dimming information transmission, then each lamp can be independently controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into a master module and multiple slave modules on the secondary side. The master module handles all communication with the primary side, while slave modules receive instructions from the master. This segmentation allows independent control of each lamp through the slave modules while centralizing the complex communication functions in the master module, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges all communication functions with the primary side into a single master module on the secondary side. Instead of having each converter stage independently communicate with the primary side (which would increase complexity), the master module consolidates these functions and distributes control to slave modules, maintaining independent lamp control while reducing system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an operating unit in which dimming information can be fed to a secondary side in respect of a galvanic isolator (4), wherein the operating unit (1) is improved in terms of cost. In particular, the dimming information is fed only to a first module (2) (a master module) either from outside by means of a sensor or from a primary side via the galvanic isolator (4) by means of a wireless channel (52). The first module (2) is further designed to relay the dimming information to at least one second module (3) (at least one slave module). The relaying of the dimming information can be effected either by a local bus (6), a wireless connection (9), a supply line, or via lines on a lamp module (12).