LED Driver Digital Control One-Bit Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive circuits for light emitting diodes are complex and inefficient, relying on expensive and sensitive analog control systems.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a driver, a converter that converts an analog parameter signal into a one-bit digital signal, and a digital controller to control the driver, eliminating the need for complex analog control and expensive converters, and allowing for a simpler and more efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an analog control system with analog-to-digital converters is used, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the analog control system with a digital control system. Specifically, it substitutes analog controllers, analog-to-digital converters, and digital-to-analog converters with a microcontroller that directly processes digital signals. This substitution eliminates the need for complex analog circuitry while maintaining control precision through digital signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the analog-to-digital converter and digital-to-analog converter from the control system. By using a microcontroller that can directly read digital sensor outputs and generate digital control signals, the system removes these conversion stages, thereby reducing device complexity and component count while preserving measurement precision.
2Ease of operation
If an analog hysteretic control is used, then control sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the analog hysteretic control circuit with a digital hysteretic control implemented in software on a microcontroller. The microcontroller samples sensor data, compares it against reference values, and generates control signals through digital logic operations. This substitution maintains the sensitivity and hysteresis characteristics while eliminating complex analog circuitry.
3Measurement precision
If expensive analog-to-digital converters and digital-to-analog converters are used, then signal conversion precision is maintained, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the analog-to-digital converter and digital-to-analog converter from the system architecture. The microcontroller directly interfaces with digital sensors and actuators, eliminating the need for these expensive conversion components. This reduction in component count significantly lowers manufacturing cost while maintaining signal precision through direct digital processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, precision analog-to-digital converters with a more cost-effective microcontroller-based digital processing solution. The microcontroller performs all necessary signal processing functions using inexpensive digital logic and algorithms, achieving the same precision at a lower component cost.
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
The solution results in a stable, cost-effective, and efficient drive system with improved dynamic response, reducing the need for feedback loops and complex analog-to-digital converters, while maintaining precision and minimizing errors.
Implementation Method 1
a converter for converting a first parameter signal defining a parameter of the load into a second parameter signal, the second parameter signal having, during each time interval of a group of time intervals, one out of two possible values
Data Source
AI summary
Devices (10) for driving loads (20) such as organic/inorganic light emitting diodes are provided with drivers (11) for driving the loads (20), with converters (12) for converting first parameter signals defining parameters of the loads (20) into second parameter signals each being defined by one bit per time interval, and with digital controllers (13) for controlling the drivers (11) in response to the second parameter signals. The converter (12) may comprise a comparator circuit (40) and a timer circuit (41) for comparing the first parameter signal with a reference signal and for generating the second parameter signal having a respective first or second value of two possible values in case of a respective first or second comparison result. The parameter may be a current flowing through or light emitted by at least a part of the load (20). The driver (11) may be a buck/boost/buck boost/fly back converter.