LED Driver Circuit Dimming Control via Switch Pattern Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED driving circuits lack user-adjustable light output, requiring external apparatuses for dimming, which increases cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A driving circuit with a dimming controller that monitors a power switch's operation and adjusts the LED string's power by controlling a switch in series, allowing for user-adjustable brightness and color through a single on/off switch, eliminating the need for external dimming devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional LED driving circuit with predetermined light output is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the light output cannot be adjusted by users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dimming control function with the existing power switch by detecting different operation patterns (continuous on/off cycling) of the same switch to generate dimming control signals, rather than adding a separate dimming switch or control device. This merging approach enables light output adjustment while maintaining simple circuit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the power switch itself as the dimming control interface by monitoring its operation patterns. The microcontroller detects whether the switch is operated continuously or normally, and automatically generates appropriate control signals for dimming or standard operation, eliminating the need for external dimming apparatuses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated dimming apparatus is added to control LED brightness, then light output can be adjusted, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power switch is designed to serve dual functions: normal on/off control and dimming control. By detecting continuous operation patterns, the same switch enables brightness adjustment without requiring a separate dimming switch or control apparatus, reducing component count and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller acts as an intermediary that interprets the power switch's operation patterns and generates appropriate PWM dimming control signals. This mediator enables the existing switch to control brightness without direct mechanical or electronic dimming apparatuses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a linear LED current regulator is used to adjust brightness, then light output can be controlled, but additional apparatus and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs PWM (pulse width modulation) technique where the LED current is controlled by periodic switching actions. The microcontroller generates PWM signals with varying duty cycles based on detected switch operation patterns, enabling brightness control through temporal modulation rather than continuous analog regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical linear current regulation approach with electronic PWM switching control. Instead of using a linear regulator circuit to continuously adjust current, the system uses digital PWM signals to control the LED driver, reducing circuit complexity and improving efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A driving circuit for driving a light source includes a converter and a dimming controller. The converter coupled to a power source is operable for receiving power from the power source and for providing regulated power to the light source according to control signals. The dimming controller coupled to the converter is operable for monitoring a power switch coupled between the power source and the converter, for receiving a color change signal indicating a first set of operations of the power switch and a dimming request signal indicating a second set of operations of the power switch, for controlling the control signals to change the color of the light source in response to the color change signal, and for controlling the control signals to adjust the brightness of the light source in response to the dimming request signal.