LED Control Circuit Error Detection via Single Sense Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor device technologies face challenges in economically detecting error conditions, such as open circuits, in multiple strings of series-connected LEDs, as they require numerous pins and detection blocks, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor LED control circuit that uses a single sense signal to detect errors across multiple LED strings, regulating current and inhibiting flow during error conditions, while minimizing the number of pins and detection blocks, and reducing costs by utilizing a single error detector circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple detection blocks and pins are used to detect error conditions in multiple LED strings, then error detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single detection block that can detect multiple error conditions including open circuits in different LED strings, short circuits, and other failures. This multi-functional detection block replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate detection blocks and pins, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive error detection capability across all LED strings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single integrated detection block that monitors all LED strings through shared circuitry. By merging the detection capabilities for multiple error conditions into one unified block, the design reduces the total number of pins and detection blocks needed, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
2Reliability
If multiple detection blocks are used to detect errors in multiple LED strings, then error detection coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single detection block is designed to provide universal detection coverage for multiple LED strings and various error conditions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple separate detection blocks, directly reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining comprehensive error detection coverage across all LED strings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into one integrated block, reducing the total component count needed for manufacturing. This consolidation lowers bills of materials and assembly costs while maintaining the ability to detect errors in multiple LED strings, directly addressing the cost versus coverage contradiction
3Measurement precision
If numerous pins are used on semiconductor package for sensing error conditions, then sensing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single detection block provides universal sensing capability for multiple LED strings through shared circuitry and a reduced number of pins. This multi-functional sensing approach maintains the ability to detect various error conditions across all LED strings while minimizing the number of pins required on the semiconductor package, thereby reducing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method of forming an LED control circuit may include configuring the LED control circuit to receive a sense signal that is representative of a value of an LED current flow through a plurality of LED strings wherein each LED string includes a plurality of series coupled LEDs; configuring a detector circuit of the LED control circuit to detect the LED current being no greater than a first value and responsively initiate forming a first time period; and configuring the LED control circuit to inhibit forming the LED current responsively to termination of the first time period.