LED Converter Powerline Communication via Voltage Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for transmitting information from lighting device converters, such as LED converters, to control units lack an efficient method that does not require additional communication channels or bus lines, particularly for parameters like LED current or dimming values.
Innovation Solution
The method involves periodically interrupting the AC supply voltage by the control unit, allowing the converter to send information via voltage signals during these interruptions, using phase control or phase sections, and employing a flyback converter with a galvanically isolated transformer to modulate voltage signals on the supply lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional bus lines or communication channels are used for transmitting information from the operating device to the control unit, then the information transmission capability is improved, but the device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply lines with the information transmission function. The operating device uses the existing power supply lines to transmit both power and information signals to the control unit, eliminating the need for separate communication channels. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining information transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply lines are designed to serve multiple functions: delivering electrical power to the operating device and simultaneously transmitting information signals from the operating device to the control unit. This multi-functionality approach allows the same hardware infrastructure to handle both power delivery and data communication, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If separate power supply lines and data lines are provided for the operating device, then the power supply reliability is improved, but the hardware requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply function and information transmission function into a single set of power supply lines. The control unit can still reliably supply power to the operating device while simultaneously receiving information signals through the same lines, thus maintaining reliability without increasing hardware complexity.
3Loss of information
If Powerline Communication (PLC) with carrier frequency modulation is used for data transmission via the power grid, then the information transmission capability is improved, but the loss of energy increases due to high-frequency signal modulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical signal modulation approach (PLC with carrier frequency modulation) with a direct voltage signal approach. Instead of modulating high-frequency carrier signals, the operating device applies voltage signals directly to the power supply lines during control unit interruptions, eliminating the energy losses associated with high-frequency modulation while maintaining information transmission capability.
4Productivity
If the control unit interrupts the AC supply voltage periodically to enable information transmission, then the information transmission efficiency is improved, but the duration of action of the power supply is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit periodically interrupts the AC supply voltage to create time windows for receiving information signals from the operating device. This periodic interruption strategy enables efficient information transmission while the system maintains overall power supply functionality, as the interruptions are temporary and recurring rather than continuous.
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
Enables bidirectional communication without additional bus lines, allowing for the transmission of digital information related to lighting parameters, improving efficiency and reducing hardware requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The operating device can preferably perform the application of voltage to the power supply lines using a galvanically isolated transformer, in which a primary side of the transformer is switched and the secondary side of the transformer is connected to the voltage supply lines.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transmitting information from an operating device (K) for lamps (L), in particular a converter for LEDs, to a control unit (ST) connected to the operating device (K) via voltage supply lines (8, 9) thereof, having the following steps: the control unit (ST) preferably periodically temporarily interrupts an AC supply voltage (Vin) of the operating device (K), and the operating device (K) applies a voltage signal (V2) to the voltage supply lines (8, 9) during the interruption of the AC supply voltage (Vin) which is evaluated by the control unit (ST) as information.