LED Driver Circuit Dynamic Current Regulator Wide Voltage Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LED driver circuits are limited by the need for multiple catalog numbers to accommodate various supply voltages, leading to increased size, cost, and heat generation, and struggle with ride-through capabilities during voltage disruptions and leakage currents.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic current regulator circuit using discrete components, comprising a resistor and capacitor in parallel, is integrated into a switching mode power supply to regulate input signal voltage, allowing a single driver circuit to operate over a wide input voltage range and improve ride-through and surge capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple driver circuits are manufactured to accommodate various supply voltages, then adaptability to different voltage sources is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different supply voltagesVSAvoidnumber of catalog numbers
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver circuit is designed with a universal input stage that can accept multiple voltage inputs (12V, 24V, 48V, and higher) through a single circuit topology. The circuit uses voltage detection circuitry that automatically identifies the input voltage level and switches between different operating modes, eliminating the need for multiple voltage-specific driver models and reducing inventory complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The driver circuit incorporates adjustable parameters through voltage detection that automatically adapts its operating characteristics based on the detected input voltage. The circuit changes its internal resistance values, switching frequencies, and current limits dynamically according to the input voltage level, allowing a single device to optimize performance across multiple voltage standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If driver circuits are designed for specific supply voltages, then manufacturing precision for each voltage level is improved, but adaptability to wide voltage ranges deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulation accuracyVSAvoidoperating voltage range
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The driver circuit employs dynamic voltage detection and adaptive switching that automatically adjusts its operating parameters based on the detected input voltage. The circuit transitions between different regulation modes and component configurations in real-time, maintaining precise voltage regulation accuracy across the entire voltage range from 12V to 48V and beyond, without requiring manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage regulation function is divided into multiple detection ranges, each handled by specific circuit pathways. The voltage detection circuit segments the input voltage range into multiple zones (12V, 24V, 48V, and higher), activating appropriate regulation mechanisms for each zone while maintaining seamless transition between zones to preserve regulation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If conventional current regulation resistors are used during voltage dips, then simplicity of circuit design is improved, but ride-through capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit simplicityVSAvoidride-through capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The driver circuit incorporates a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the input voltage level and LED current. During voltage dips, the feedback loop detects the voltage drop and automatically activates alternative current pathways or adjusts switching parameters to maintain stable LED operation, preventing the transistor from switching off and eliminating LED flickering or dimming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit includes protective circuitry that anticipates voltage dips and prepares alternative current paths in advance. Energy storage elements and parallel current pathways are pre-configured to immediately compensate for voltage drops, cushioning the LED load against the effects of voltage disruptions and maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If line voltage components are added to compensate for AC input problems, then reliability of AC power operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAC power operation stabilityVSAvoidline voltage components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver circuit replaces traditional mechanical line voltage compensation components with electronic switching and digital control mechanisms. The circuit uses solid-state voltage detection and switching transistors to automatically compensate for AC input variations, eliminating the need for large, expensive line voltage components while maintaining reliable AC power operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The driver circuit incorporates self-regulating features that automatically detect and compensate for AC input problems without external intervention. The voltage detection and switching circuitry autonomously adjusts operating parameters to maintain stable LED operation across varying AC conditions, making the system self-sufficient in handling power quality issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution enables efficient operation of LEDs over a wide voltage range, reduces power consumption and heat generation, and prevents LED flickering or dimming during voltage dips, while minimizing off-state leakage current effects.

Implementation Method 1

A dynamic current regulator circuit using discrete components, comprising a resistor and capacitor in parallel, is integrated into a switching mode power supply to regulate input signal voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2665340B1LED driver circuits and methods
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECH INC
  • EP2665340B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2665340B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2665340B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An LED driver circuit that can regulate the input signal voltage so that the driver circuit can be used over wide input voltage range or at predetermined voltages. Discrete components are used to drive an LED array with a constant current. The LED driver circuit includes a dynamic current regulator. The dynamic current regulator includes a resistor and capacitor in parallel to provide dynamic current regulation to a switching mode power supply circuit that controls the LED illumination.