Hybrid Power Control System for Solid-State Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power control systems for solid-state lighting, such as LEDs and OLEDs, face inefficiencies and limitations in dimming range, electromagnetic interference, and flexibility, particularly with methods like PWM, which result in reduced performance, increased complexity, and shorter component lifetimes due to thermal and electrical stresses.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid power control system combining linear and switch-mode regulators to dynamically control current, voltage, and power, enabling a wide dynamic range, high efficiency, and flexible operation, with features like channel bonding, real-time feedback, and protection against mis-wiring, allowing for precise dimming and color mixing across various lighting applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If PWM dimming is used to control LED current, then dimming capability is achieved, but power supply efficiency deteriorates due to continuous switching between ON and OFF states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines linear dimming and PWM dimming into a hybrid control system. Linear dimming maintains continuous power supply for high efficiency, while PWM provides precise dimming control. The system merges both approaches to resolve the contradiction between dimming capability and power supply efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between linear dimming mode and PWM dimming mode based on the required dimming level. At higher dimming levels where efficiency is critical, linear dimming is used. At lower dimming levels where precision is more important, PWM takes over. This dynamic adaptation resolves the efficiency-dimming contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If PWM switching is used for digital dimming, then precise control is achieved, but electromagnetic interference increases due to rapid current transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dimming control into two distinct modes: linear dimming for high-current ranges and PWM for low-current ranges. This segmentation allows each mode to operate in its optimal range, reducing EMI from PWM while maintaining control precision through the hybrid approach.
Solution Approach 2:
Linear dimming acts as an intermediary that reduces the harmful EMI effects of PWM. By using linear dimming at higher current levels where EMI would be most problematic, the system mediates between the need for precise control and the need to minimize electromagnetic interference.
3Ease of operation
If PWM dimming extends the dimming range to low levels, then dimming dynamic range is improved, but visual flicker occurs due to reduced fixed frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the dimming method based on the dimming level. At higher dimming levels where fixed frequency can be maintained, PWM provides precise control. At lower levels where flicker risk increases, linear dimming takes over to maintain steady illumination. This dynamic switching prevents visual flicker while extending dimming range.
4Loss of energy
If switch mode regulator is used for high efficiency power conversion, then energy efficiency is improved, but component reliability deteriorates due to thermal and electrical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between switch mode regulator and linear regulator based on operating conditions. Switch mode regulator is used when high efficiency is critical and conditions are favorable. Linear regulator is used when thermal management is easier or when component stress needs to be reduced. This dynamic selection optimizes both efficiency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the power conversion system by switching between different regulator modes. This parameter change allows the system to optimize for efficiency when needed and for reliability when needed, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and component lifetime.
5Reliability
If linear regulator is used for current control, then component reliability is improved by reducing thermal stress, but power efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between linear and switch mode regulators based on the required current level and efficiency requirements. At high current levels where efficiency is more critical, switch mode regulator is used. At lower currents or when thermal management is easier, linear regulator provides better reliability. This dynamic adaptation resolves the efficiency-reliability contradiction.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hybrid power control system for providing dynamic power control to illumination systems in which a power source can supply any one of a range of AC or DC voltages. One or more switch mode power supplies incorporating one or more linear and switch mode regulator circuits combined to dynamically control current, voltage and power to the illumination system. A microprocessor or other integrated circuit device to receive and send control information in order to regulate the power to a light emitting device One or more output drive stage(s) capable of delivering a wide dynamic current range, channel bonding and protection circuitry compatible with standard or common anode illumination systems.