Isolated Switch LED Control for Low-Power Fast Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems using isolated switches like photo MOS relays, the light emitting diode (LED) is often maintained in an ON state during normal times, leading to prolonged emission durations and increased power consumption, which shortens the lifespan of the switch and reduces system durability.
Innovation Solution
A circuit configuration that maintains the LED in an OFF state during normal times and controls it to an ON state during events, utilizing a first current source, an event signal generating unit, a transistor switch, and a contact control unit to manage the LED's emission state and load contact accordingly, reducing unnecessary power usage and enhancing switch longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the LED is maintained in an ON state during normal times, then the system can quickly respond to events, but power consumption increases and the lifespan of the isolated switch shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging a capacitor during normal operation. When an event occurs, the pre-charged capacitor immediately drives the LED to turn on, eliminating the need for continuous LED operation. This allows the system to maintain fast response capability while consuming minimal power during normal times, as the capacitor is only charged intermittently rather than requiring continuous power supply to the LED.
2Speed
If the LED is maintained in an ON state during normal times, then the system can quickly respond to events, but the lifespan of the isolated switch shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-charging a capacitor during normal operation. When an event occurs, the pre-charged capacitor immediately drives the LED to turn on, eliminating the need for continuous LED operation. This reduces the operational stress and wear on the LED and isolated switch components, thereby extending their lifespan while maintaining fast response capability when needed.
3Loss of energy
If the LED emission duration is decreased, then power consumption is reduced, but the system may respond slower to events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by charging the capacitor in periodic intervals during normal operation rather than continuously powering the LED. This periodic charging maintains the capacitor ready for immediate discharge when an event occurs, achieving fast response with minimal energy consumption. The LED only operates briefly during actual events, significantly reducing total emission duration and power loss while maintaining system responsiveness.
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 approach decreases the duration of LED emission, conserving power and improving the lifespan of isolated switches, thereby enhancing system durability by maintaining the LED in an OFF state at normal times and activating it only during events.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting diode (LED) included in an isolated switch
Implementation Method 2
power consumed for emitting the LED
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and a method for controlling an isolated switch are disclosed. The apparatus and the method for controlling an isolated switch according to the present invention, configure a circuit so as to maintain a light emitting diode (LED) included in an isolated switch in an OFF state at normal times and control the LED in an ON state when an event occurs in an isolated switch such as a photo MOS relay to reduce power consumed for emitting the LED by decreasing a duration for which the LED is maintained in an emission state and improve durability of a system adopting the isolated switch by improving a life-span of the isolated switch.