Semiconductor Light Source Current Regulator for LED Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor light sources, particularly LEDs powered by direct AC voltage, experience light jitter and electromagnetic interference due to current spikes and variations, which affect light output and increase electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A current regulator comprising a switch and a control circuit, including a current mirror circuit and a comparator with a feedback loop, is used to provide a proportional current to regulate the current flowing through the semiconductor light source, ensuring a steady and controlled current flow that eliminates spikes and variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If LEDs are powered with direct line voltage, then implementation cost is reduced, but light jitter and electromagnetic interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current regulator as an intermediary device between the direct line voltage source and the LED. This regulator includes a switch and control circuit that mediates the power delivery, converting the direct line voltage into a controlled current that eliminates jitter and EMI while maintaining cost-effectiveness compared to full switching power converters
Solution Approach 2:
The current regulator employs a feedback mechanism where the control circuit monitors the current flowing through the LED and adjusts the switch control accordingly. This feedback loop ensures stable current delivery to the LED, eliminating light jitter and electromagnetic interference while keeping the implementation simple and cost-effective
2Reliability
If a switching power converter is used to power LEDs, then light output stability is improved, but implementation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential current regulation function from a full switching power converter. By removing unnecessary components and functions, the design achieves light output stability through a simplified current regulator with a single switch and control circuit, significantly reducing implementation complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion function is segmented into a simple current regulator stage that follows direct rectification. Instead of using a complete switching power converter, the patent segments the power delivery into basic rectification followed by simple current regulation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining LED current stability
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
The solution effectively eliminates current spikes and variations, resulting in a steady light output and reduced electromagnetic interference, enhancing the performance and reliability of semiconductor light sources.
Implementation Method 1
a control circuit coupled to the first switch adapted to provide a second current proportional to the first current
Implementation Method 2
the comparator may be adapted to compare a feedback value with a control value and to provide a control signal to control the second switch; wherein the feedback value is a function of the second current
Implementation Method 3
Semiconductor light sources have many advantages over incandescent light sources. For instance, light emitting diodes LEDs are characterised by a low energy consumption and a relatively long lifetime
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for operating a semiconductor light source is presented. In particular there is a current regulator for regulating a current flowing through a light emitting diode device. The current regulator includes a first switch for receiving a first current flowing through the semiconductor light source and a control circuit coupled to the first switch and adapted to provide a second current proportional to the first current. The current regulator is adapted to regulate the first current using the second current.