Multi-Channel LED Drive Control for Continuous Remote Dimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face challenges in installing advanced load control systems due to the need for electrical wiring expertise, and existing wall-mounted light switches can disrupt power to controllable light sources, preventing remote control functionality.
Innovation Solution
A load control device with multiple drive circuits and a control circuit that generates pulse-width modulated signals to adjust light color and intensity, using a peripheral direct-memory access controller to manage timer peripherals and store data for dynamic signal generation, ensuring uninterrupted power to controllable light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wall-mounted light switch is used to control power to a controllable light source, then the light source can be turned off completely, but the remote control functionality is disrupted because power is cut to the light source
Solution Approach 1:
A load control device is introduced as an intermediary between the wall switch and the controllable light source. The wall switch controls power to the load control device, which in turn controls power to the light source. This intermediary maintains a continuous low-level power supply to the light source for remote control functionality while allowing complete power cutoff when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control function is segmented into two stages: the wall switch controls the load control device, which separately controls the light source. This segmentation allows the light source to receive controlled power from the load control device even when the wall switch is off, maintaining remote control capability.
2Ease of operation
If a controllable light source is installed in a socket controlled by a wall-mounted light switch, then power can be cut completely, but the light source cannot respond to remote control commands when the switch is off
Solution Approach 1:
The load control device serves as an intermediary that receives power control signals from the wall switch and translates them into appropriate power delivery to the light source. It maintains a trickle power supply that keeps the light source responsive to remote control while allowing complete power cutoff when the wall switch is off.
Solution Approach 2:
The load control device dynamically adjusts the power delivery to the light source based on the state of the wall switch and remote control commands. It can switch between providing continuous low-level power for remote control responsiveness and complete power cutoff for energy saving.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard mechanical switches are replaced by load control devices, then advanced control features are provided, but professional installation is required which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The load control device is designed as an intermediary component that interfaces with existing wall switch wiring and provides advanced control features. By positioning it in the power line between the wall switch and light source, it adds functionality without requiring complete system redesign or professional electrical rewiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The load control device provides multiple control functions including remote control, dimming, and scheduling capabilities through a single unit that interfaces with standard wall switch wiring, making it universally applicable to various lighting scenarios without requiring custom installation for each feature.
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 consumers to easily control light sources with advanced features without professional installation, maintaining power continuity and allowing seamless remote control operations.
Implementation Method 1
The control circuit may be configured to pulse-width modulate the first, second, and third drive signals on a periodic basis at an operating period
Implementation Method 2
controllable screw-in light-emitting diode (LED) lamps
Data Source
AI summary
A load control device may include first, second, and third drive circuits for controlling respective ones of the emitter circuits, and may generate first, second, and third drive signals for controlling each of the first, second, and third drive circuits, respectively, to adjust a present color of the cumulative light emitted by the emitter circuits towards a target color. The control circuit may be configured to pulse-width modulate the first, second, and third drive signals on a periodic basis at an operating period, where each period comprises at least three time slots. The control circuit may be configured to determine first, second, and third on times of the first, second, and third drive signals of the first, second, and third pulses, respectively, based on the target color.