LED Driver Signal Path for Multi-Stage Connection Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to efficiently inspect and address connection abnormalities in serially connected LED drivers within backlight modules, necessitating repetitive inspections due to the challenges of identifying circuit issues in multiple stages.
Innovation Solution
A signal path structure is implemented in the driver of an LED, allowing for a test mode that converts parallel data into serial data for next-stage drivers, enabling simultaneous inspection of connection abnormalities across multiple stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If serial communication protocol is used for LED drivers, then data transmission between drivers is enabled, but connection abnormalities in serially connected drivers cannot be efficiently inspected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the LED driver circuit to automatically transmit test signals through the serial communication path during the manufacturing inspection stage, before the product is shipped. This allows connection abnormalities to be detected in advance without requiring separate manual inspection steps for each driver in the serial chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system uses self-service by enabling the LED drivers themselves to participate in the inspection process. The drivers transmit test signals and receive inspection results through their own serial communication interfaces, eliminating the need for external specialized inspection equipment to manually test each connection point.
2Productivity
If multiple stages of drivers are serially connected, then display functionality is achieved, but repetitive inspections are required to ensure normal functioning of all drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inspection process for multiple serially connected drivers into a single unified operation. By transmitting test signals through the entire serial chain and collecting results in one inspection cycle, the system eliminates the need for separate inspections of each driver stage, significantly reducing total inspection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system implements feedback by having each driver in the serial chain transmit its inspection results back through the communication path. This allows the inspection system to receive status information from all drivers simultaneously and identify specific connection abnormalities without requiring sequential testing of each driver.
3Ease of manufacture
If visual appearance inspection is used, then simple defects can be detected, but circuit connection abnormalities such as false soldering, empty soldering, short circuits, and open circuits cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/visual inspection methods with electrical signal-based inspection. Instead of relying on visual detection of soldering quality, the system uses electrical test signals transmitted through the serial communication path to automatically detect connection abnormalities such as false soldering, empty soldering, short circuits, and open circuits with high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A driver of a light emitting diode (LED) and a light emitting device are provided. The driver includes a first receiver, a second receiver, a data controller, a transmitter, and a check controller. The first receiver receives a parallel data signal. The second receiver receives a serial data signal. The data controller obtains the parallel data signal through the first receiver and transmits the parallel data signal to a serial data output terminal through the transmitter for transmitting the parallel data signal to a next-stage driver. The check controller detects whether the parallel data signal is received through the first receiver and the serial data signal is received through the second receiver and generates a driving signal of the LED according to the received parallel data signal and the received serial data signal to illuminate the LED.