Isolated Driver Module LED Status Indicator Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolated driver modules for lighting require expensive and space-occupying isolation elements, such as optocouplers, to communicate information from the control circuit on the secondary side to the primary side, which is inefficient and prone to aging.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a galvanic isolation barrier using a transformer with a primary and secondary winding allows for electromagnetic coupling between the status indication module and the communication module, enabling information transmission through modulated supply current without the need for additional isolation elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If isolation elements such as optocouplers are used to communicate information from the secondary side to the primary side, then information transmission is enabled, but cost and device space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the status indication function and information communication function into a single LED indicator. The LED serves dual purposes: providing visual status indication and transmitting digital information through modulated light signals. This eliminates the need for separate optocoupler isolation elements, reducing both cost and device complexity while maintaining effective information transmission across the galvanic isolation barrier.
2Loss of information
If optocouplers are used for isolation, then information can be transmitted across the galvanic isolation barrier, but the components are prone to aging and occupy space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical isolation element (optocoupler) with an electromagnetic field-based communication approach. The LED modulates light signals that are detected by a photodetector or light sensor on the primary side, enabling information transmission without physical contact or aging-prone components. This substitution improves reliability by eliminating components subject to aging while maintaining effective communication across the isolation barrier.
3Ease of operation
If a status indication module is added to provide visual feedback, then user information is provided, but additional components increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional LED indicator that simultaneously provides visual status indication and digital information communication. The same LED component serves both purposes by modulating its light output - the presence and characteristics of light provide visual feedback to users, while variations in the light signal encode digital information for transmission to the primary side. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate status indication components, reducing device complexity while enhancing user interaction.
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 reduces the cost and space requirements while maintaining effective communication, as the modulated supply current carries information from the status indication module to the communication module, overcoming the inefficiencies of traditional isolation methods.
Implementation Method 1
a galvanic isolation barrier (3) that galvanically isolates a primary side (PS) of the isolated driver module (1) from a secondary side (SS) of the isolated driver module (1)
Implementation Method 2
a status indication module (6) comprising supply means (6a) and at least one indicator LED (6b)
Implementation Method 3
The control circuit (4) is configured to communicate (feed) information from the status indication module (6) to the communication module (7) by controlling the switching of the supply current for the indicator LED (6b)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application discloses an isolated driver module for electrically supplying lighting means, comprising a galvanic isolation barrier, a control circuit and a status indication module arranged on the secondary side of the isolated driver module, wherein the status indication module comprises at least one indicator LED electrically supplied via supply means, and a communication module arranged on the primary side. The control circuit is configured to control the electrical supply of the at least one indicator LED via the supply means for controlling a visual indication of the status of the isolated driver module by the at least one indicator LED. Furthermore the control circuit is configured to control the electrical supply of the at least one indicator LED via the supply means such that the electrical supply is switched, in order to electromagnetically transmit information from the status indication module to the communication module. The present application further discloses a luminaire with such an isolated driver module and a method for operating such an isolated driver module.