Integrated LED Circuit for Visible Light Communication Bandwidth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current light-based communication systems using LEDs face limitations in data transmission capacity due to increased latency and bandwidth constraints, particularly in multiplexing procedures.

Innovation Solution

An LED module with integrated LED circuits on a common semiconductor substrate allows for independent modulation of each LED circuit, enabling parallel data transmission using Visible Light Communication (VLC) across multiple LEDs, increasing bandwidth through space and time multiplexing, and eliminating the need for separate antenna structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If time multiplex procedure is used to integrate different signals in VLC, then data transmission is achieved, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the LED module into multiple independently controllable LED circuits, each capable of modulating its own light output. This segmentation allows parallel transmission of multiple data signals simultaneously through different LED circuits, eliminating the sequential time multiplexing approach that causes latency. Each LED circuit operates as an independent communication channel, enabling spatial multiplexing instead of temporal multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If multiple LED circuits are controlled together with a common modulator, then system complexity is reduced, but transmission bandwidth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodulator structureVSAvoidbandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the modulation function by providing separate modulators for each LED circuit. This allows each LED circuit to be modulated independently with different data signals, thereby multiplying the total transmission bandwidth by the number of LED circuits. The increase in bandwidth through parallel independent modulation outweighs the additional complexity of having multiple modulators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimension (single LED circuit) modulation approach to a multi-dimensional approach by enabling independent modulation across multiple LED circuits. This spatial dimension expansion allows simultaneous transmission of multiple data streams, effectively increasing the system's information throughput capacity beyond what a single modulator could achieve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate antenna structures are used for radio communication, then communication function is achieved, but device area increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication functionVSAvoidLED module area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the LED module universal by enabling it to perform both lighting and data transmission functions through the same physical structure. The LED circuits serve dual purposes: providing illumination and modulating light for VLC communication. This eliminates the need for separate antenna structures required in radio communication systems, as the LED module itself becomes the communication transceiver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the lighting function and communication function into a single integrated LED module structure. The same LED circuits that produce light for illumination are also used to modulate and transmit data signals. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate communication hardware components like antennas, reducing the overall device area while maintaining both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution significantly enhances data transmission capacity by allowing individual modulation of each LED circuit, enabling simultaneous transmission of diverse data signals across multiple LEDs, reducing latency and increasing available bandwidth, while simplifying production and reducing electromagnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

Luminaire (LED) is increasingly used as light-emitting elements for lighting tasks. One or more LEDs in an LED module with suitable resolutions for supplying the LED are summarized with a current and to control the light output.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

On the recipient side, a photo detector converses light signals with modulated information into electrical signals.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3524036B1Integrated arrangement of adjustable points of light for communication by means of visible light
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3524036B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3524036B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3524036B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an integrated LED circuit comprising at least one light-emitting diode and at least one electronic circuit associated with the light-emitting diode. The at least one light-emitting diode and the associated electronic circuit are arranged on a common substrate. The electronic circuit is designed in order to adjust a current through the associated light-emitting diode by means of an information-carrying signal. The invention further relates to an LED module, to an LED arrangement, which comprises a plurality of such integrated LED circuits, and to a corresponding lamp.