Integrated LED Driver Circuit for Compact Lighting Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED lighting systems require bulky and expensive electronic ballasts to convert AC voltage to DC voltage, making them voluminous and costly, especially in spotlight luminaires.
Innovation Solution
A compact lighting device that operates directly with DC voltage, incorporating an optoelectronic semiconductor chip, driver circuit, and contacts, which eliminates the need for an external ballast by integrating the driver circuit with the semiconductor chip on a common carrier, allowing for efficient current regulation and heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an external electronic ballast is used to convert AC voltage to DC voltage for LED operation, then the lighting system can operate with conventional AC mains voltage, but the system becomes voluminous and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The driver circuit is integrated directly onto the same carrier as the LED semiconductor chip, merging the AC-to-DC conversion function with the LED mounting structure. This eliminates the need for separate external ballasts and reduces overall system volume while maintaining AC mains voltage compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the LED chip mounting substrate, the heat sink for thermal management, and the platform for the integrated driver circuit. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing system volume
2Reliability
If an external electronic ballast is used for each luminaire, then constant current can be provided to LEDs, but the cost and volume of the lighting system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The driver circuit is merged with the LED assembly on a common carrier, integrating the constant current control function directly into each lighting device. This eliminates the need for separate external ballasts while maintaining reliable constant current control for the LEDs
Solution Approach 2:
Each lighting device is segmented as an independent module with its own integrated driver circuit and LED chips on a common carrier. This modular segmentation allows each unit to operate autonomously with constant current control without requiring external ballasts, reducing overall system complexity
3Volume of stationary object
If multiple lighting devices are operated with a single DC voltage source, then cost and space are reduced, but the lighting devices must be designed to operate directly with DC voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The driver circuit is integrated onto the same carrier as the LED chips, merging the AC-to-DC conversion function with the LED mounting structure. This eliminates the need for separate external ballasts and reduces overall system volume while maintaining AC mains voltage compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device is designed to accept DC voltage as its operating parameter, changing from conventional AC mains operation. This parameter change enables multiple devices to be operated from a single DC voltage source, reducing the number of power conversion units needed and minimizing space for electrical components
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
The solution enables a space-saving, cost-effective lighting system that can operate with a single DC voltage source, reducing the size and cost of electrical components and allowing for 'hot-swapping' of lighting devices, while maintaining constant luminous flux over the device's lifetime.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one semiconductor chip is a light emitting diode chip or a laser diode chip
Implementation Method 2
at least one optoelectronic semiconductor chip, wherein the at least one semiconductor chip is a light emitting diode chip or a laser diode chip
Implementation Method 3
The carrier can also serve as a heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device and a lighting system are disclosed. In an embodiment, a lighting device includes at least one optoelectronic semiconductor chip, two contacts configured to couple the lighting device to a DC voltage and a driver circuit interconnected in series with the at least one semiconductor chip in a string, wherein the driver circuit comprises a monolithic, unhoused controller, wherein the driver circuit is configured to adjust a current for operating the at least one semiconductor chip, and wherein the string extends between the two contacts in an electrically coupling way.