LED Dimming Controller Modulates AC Voltage for CCT Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED dimming systems face issues with compatibility, energy efficiency, power factor correction, and limited functionality, particularly in residential and commercial settings, where they often result in reduced dimming range, flickering, and inconsistent performance due to the lack of industry standards and the inability to control multiple LED light sources effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dimming and CCT tuning controller that incorporates dimming control signals into the power line, using a voltage sensing circuit, modulator, and AC current return controller to generate control signals for LED-based lighting devices, allowing for multiplexing and modulation of dimming and CCT tuning signals within the AC voltage without distorting the waveform, enabling flexible control of multiple LED light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional TRIAC dimmers are used with LED-based lighting devices, then energy efficiency is improved, but dimming compatibility and performance consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized LED dimmer controller as an intermediary device between the power source and LED lighting devices. This controller is specifically designed to work with LED loads, replacing the generic TRIAC dimmer. It processes dimming control signals and delivers appropriate power to LED devices, ensuring compatibility and consistent performance while maintaining energy efficiency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters and control methodology from traditional TRIAC phase-cut dimming to a specialized LED-compatible dimming approach. The new dimmer controller adjusts electrical parameters such as current regulation and pulse-width modulation (PWM) specifically suited for LED characteristics, thereby improving dimming compatibility and performance consistency across different LED devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing residential wiring infrastructure is used with LED-based lighting, then ease of installation is improved, but control functionality and dimming range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the LED dimmer controller to be universally compatible with existing residential wiring infrastructure while providing enhanced control functionality. The device can work with standard AC power lines and various LED lighting types, offering multiple control features including dimming, fading, and scene setting. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain ease of installation while significantly expanding control capabilities beyond what traditional dimmers provide.
3Loss of energy
If phase-cut dimming is used to control LED lighting, then energy savings are achieved, but waveform distortion and power factor issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical TRIAC phase-cut dimming system with an electronic LED-compatible dimming system. Instead of using TRIACs that cut the voltage waveform, the new system uses electronic controllers with PWM and current regulation techniques. This substitution maintains energy savings by controlling LED power consumption electronically while avoiding the waveform distortion and power factor problems associated with TRIAC-based phase-cut dimming.
Data Source
AI summary
A dimming and CCT tuning system comprises a controller and multiple LED-based lighting devices. Each lighting device comprises a control circuit, at least two LED driving circuits, and at least two types of LED-based light sources. When the controller receives the dimming and CCT tuning signals from its inputs, it generates a modulated dimming and CCT tuning signal portion in the AC voltage delivered to the multiple lighting devices. Afterwards, a regular AC power is delivered. In receiving, each lighting device demodulates such signal portion and generates at least two control signals to the at least two LED driving circuits which then individually power the at least two types of LED-based light sources to emit desired light levels and CCTs. The system eliminates extra wires required in 0-10 V dimming control and maintains an undistorted AC waveform in most of operating time, not like a TRIAC dimming.