LED Driver Dual-Control Interface for Protocol-Independent Debugging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implementing new software in building technology devices, such as LED drivers, is difficult due to the need for adapting embedded software when different communication protocols are used, making cooperation between software products challenging.

Innovation Solution

A building technology device with a first and second control unit, connected via an interface unit that facilitates selective communication, allowing independent debugging and manipulation of software without requiring protocol adaptation, using an external device as a 'man-in-the-middle' to manage communication between the control units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If new software with different communication protocols is implemented in the building technology device, then the functionality and adaptability of the device is improved, but the complexity of software integration and cooperation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware adaptabilityVSAvoidsoftware integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control functionality is segmented into two independent control units: a first control unit for executing new software with different communication protocols, and a second control unit for executing embedded software. This segmentation allows each control unit to operate independently with its own protocol stack, eliminating the need for complex protocol adaptation between software layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An interface unit is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second control units. This interface unit handles communication and data exchange between the two control units, allowing them to cooperate without requiring direct protocol compatibility. The interface unit acts as a mediator that translates or adapts communications between different software environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If embedded software is adapted to support new communication protocols, then the device can use new software protocols, but the complexity of software modification and debugging increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication protocol compatibilityVSAvoidsoftware implementation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adapting the embedded software to support new protocols, the system segments communication functionality into separate control units. The first control unit handles new communication protocols independently, while the second control unit maintains the original embedded software unchanged. This eliminates the need for complex software modification and debugging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system effectively creates a parallel control structure where the first control unit can be seen as a copy or addition to the existing control architecture. This allows new software protocols to be implemented without modifying the original embedded software, preserving the ease of manufacture while gaining protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple software products with different communication protocols are used in parallel, then the functionality of the building technology device is improved, but the difficulty of making them cooperate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware functionalityVSAvoidsoftware cooperation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interface unit serves as a mediator between the first and second control units, facilitating cooperation between software products with different communication protocols. It manages data exchange and coordination without requiring the software products themselves to be modified or adapted to work together directly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface unit is designed with universal functionality to handle communication between different control units and software products. It provides a standardized interface that can accommodate multiple communication protocols and software types, making the integration process simpler and more straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12513229B2Building technology device

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a building technology device (100), for example an LED driver (200), comprising: a first control unit (101) and a second control unit (103), wherein the first control unit (101) is configured to execute a software, and wherein the second control unit (103) is configured to execute a further software, in particular an embedded software of the building technology device (100); an interface unit (105) arranged between the first control unit (101) and the second control unit (103); wherein the interface unit (105) comprises at least one external interface (107, 113) which is connectable to an external device (301); and wherein the at least one external interface (107, 113) is adapted to facilitate a selective communication between the external device (301) and the first control unit (101) and independently between the external device (301) and the second control unit (103).