Adaptive LED Driver Error Detection Reduces Power Consumption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED driver technologies require an unnecessarily long error detection time, which keeps light emitting elements on for longer than necessary, leading to increased power consumption and inefficiency, especially in applications with deep dimming requirements.
Innovation Solution
A driving apparatus and method that determines the minimum time required for error detection by evaluating a driving signal and outputting a latch signal when a predetermined condition is reached, allowing for precise timing of the testing process and reducing the overall error detection time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error detection is performed using conventional LED driver technology with fixed worst-case timing, then reliable error detection is achieved, but the detection time is unnecessarily long and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the error detection time adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the detection time based on actual LED channel conditions (open, short, or normal operation). The microcontroller monitors the output enable signal and adapts the detection duration to the specific channel state, eliminating the need to use fixed worst-case timing for all channels. This resolves the contradiction by making detection time flexible - short when conditions allow and long only when necessary for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the time parameter of error detection from a constant worst-case value to a variable value based on measured conditions. The system measures actual current draw and voltage levels to determine detection time requirements. By changing the detection time parameter dynamically based on real-time measurements, the system achieves reliable detection without unnecessarily extending detection duration, thus resolving the time-reliability contradiction.
2Reliability
If light emitting elements are kept on for the full error detection period, then complete testing is ensured, but power consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power consumption dynamic by controlling LED on-time based on actual detection needs. The microcontroller monitors channel conditions and turns off individual LEDs once their specific detection is complete, rather than keeping all LEDs on for the maximum detection period. This dynamic control ensures testing completeness for each channel while minimizing overall power consumption by eliminating unnecessary illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the unnecessary power consumption by selectively turning off individual LED channels once their error detection is complete. Instead of maintaining power to all channels for the full detection period, the system removes power from channels that have been tested, keeping only those channels that still require detection active. This extracts the excess energy usage while preserving testing completeness.
3Use of energy by moving object
If deep dimming is applied to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency improves, but error detection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing error detection before applying deep dimming or at higher current levels. The microcontroller executes error detection routines at elevated current levels where measurement precision is adequate, then subsequently applies dimming for normal operation. This preliminary detection ensures accurate error identification while allowing later power reduction, resolving the contradiction between detection precision and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the detection current dynamic rather than fixed at low dimmed levels. The system temporarily increases current to adequate measurement levels during detection phases, then reduces to dimmed levels for normal operation. This dynamic current adjustment ensures measurement precision during detection while maintaining energy efficiency during operation, resolving the precision-power contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
Driving a light-emitting element by a driver capable of testing at least an open or short condition of the light-emitting element. In particular, a driving signal is generated to drive the light-emitting element. It is evaluated based on the value of the driving signal whether a predetermined condition is reached. If so, a latch signal is output indicating that the testing has finished.