Variable Output Module for LED Dimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dimming systems for LED lighting are not capable of smoothly dimming LED lights from high to low brightness, resulting in inferior dimming quality compared to incandescent lighting, and are unable to accurately determine the desired light level due to fluctuations in AC power sources, leading to abrupt changes in light output.
Innovation Solution
A variable output module that measures and controls electrical output by determining the pulse width and period of an AC signal, allowing for full-range dimming (0% to 100%) of LED lights by adjusting the ratio of pulse width to period, independent of power level fluctuations, using a controller and driver configuration that converts AC input to a direct current output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional phase dimming is used to dim LED lights, then the light output can be reduced, but the dimming quality is inferior and abrupt changes occur due to AC power fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical phase dimming methods with a digital signal processing approach. The controller measures pulse width and period of the AC signal, calculates the ratio to determine dimming level, and generates precise control signals for the LED driver, eliminating abrupt changes and improving dimming quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the AC signal characteristics (pulse width and period) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the LED output. The controller calculates the ratio of pulse width to period and adjusts the LED drive accordingly, ensuring smooth dimming across the full range without abrupt changes.
2Power
If traditional LED drivers are used, then LED lights can be powered, but they cannot accurately determine desired light levels due to AC power source fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional power-level-based detection with timing-based measurement. Instead of relying on voltage or current measurements that are affected by AC fluctuations, the system measures the pulse width and period of the AC signal, which provides a stable and accurate indicator of the desired light level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from power level (voltage/current) to timing characteristics (pulse width and period). This parameter transformation eliminates the influence of AC power fluctuations and provides a stable basis for accurate light level determination.
3Ease of operation
If phase dimming conversion is applied to LED lighting, then dimming function is achieved, but smooth dimming from high to low brightness cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of LED brightness by continuously adjusting the drive current based on the real-time ratio of pulse width to period. This dynamic adjustment enables smooth transitions across the full brightness range, from maximum to minimum, without the abrupt changes characteristic of traditional phase dimming.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable output module provides accurate full range dimming or adjustment of power output. The variable output module utilizes the characteristics of an AC or other periodic signal rather than its power output to accurately determine the level of dimming a user desires. In this manner, the variable output module provides accurate full range dimming without the need for calibration to specific AC signals. The variable output module can detect the period of an AC signal allowing the driver to be used with various frequencies without the need for calibration. In one or more embodiments, the driver compares the pulse widths of a dimmed AC signal to the period of the AC signal to determine the desired level of dimming.