LED Array Assemblies with Parallel Branches for Voltage Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light emitting diode (LED) array configurations are limited by input voltage, which restricts the number of LED dies and often results in suboptimal flux levels per unit area, as they are typically designed to operate at specific voltage levels, limiting flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The array assembly configures LED dies in parallel strings with multiple branches, allowing for adjustable numbers of LED junctions in series to match input voltages and target flux levels, decoupling die count from operating voltage, and incorporating a mix of high and low voltage dies to achieve optimal flux per unit area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If LED dies are serially coupled to achieve high input voltage operation, then the operating voltage increases, but the number of possible array configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating voltageVSAvoidarray configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the array into multiple independent parallel branches, where each branch can have different numbers of LED dies in series. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high operating voltage in each branch while providing flexibility in configuring the total number of dies across branches, thus resolving the contradiction between high voltage operation and configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic configuration of LED die arrangements by allowing different branches to have different numbers of dies. This dynamic approach permits the system to adapt to various input voltage requirements and flux level targets by adjusting the distribution of dies across branches, rather than being locked into fixed serial configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stress or pressure

If the number of LED dies in an array is fixed by input voltage requirements, then the operating voltage is satisfied, but the flux level per unit area cannot reach optimal efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput voltageVSAvoidflux level efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different branches to have different numbers of LED dies, creating local variations in current density and flux output. This enables each branch to be optimized for specific flux requirements while collectively satisfying the overall input voltage requirement, thereby achieving optimal flux efficiency that would be impossible with uniform serial configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of die distribution across branches rather than maintaining a fixed total count. By adjusting the number of dies in each branch independently, the system can vary the flux output of individual branches while maintaining the required operating voltage, thus optimizing the flux level per unit area for maximum efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If parallel branches with different numbers of LED dies are used, then flux level flexibility increases, but the circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflux level configurationVSAvoidcircuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal branch structure that can be replicated with different numbers of LED dies to achieve various flux levels. This multi-functional approach allows the same basic parallel branch architecture to serve multiple configuration needs, reducing the overall system complexity compared to designing entirely different circuits for each flux requirement.

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

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 configuration allows for more flexible and efficient operation by achieving flux levels closer to the target, improving operational efficiency and accommodating various total flux values without being restricted by constant input voltage.

Implementation Method 1

an array assembly including a first string and a second string in parallel, each branch including at least one light emitting diode die

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2659513B1Array assemblies with high voltage LED dies
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP2659513B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2659513B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2659513B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Various embodiments of solid state lighting ("SSL") assemblies with high voltage SSL dies and methods of manufacturing are described herein. In one embodiment, an array assembly of SSL dies includes a first terminal and a second terminal configured to receive an input voltage (Vo). The array assembly also includes a plurality of SSL dies coupled between the first terminal and the second terminal, at least some of which are high voltage SSL dies coupled in parallel.