Automatic Input Impedance Control for LED Drivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern LED lights driven by constant current output drivers experience impedance variations with supply voltage changes, leading to voltage imbalances, damage when connected in series or to three-phase systems, and increased strain on power distribution systems during low voltage conditions.

Innovation Solution

An automatic input impedance control circuit that switches between constant input power and constant input impedance modes, using a circuit controller to calculate impedance and control current delivery to maintain a constant impedance within a predefined range, thereby preventing damage and reducing power system strain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If LED lights are driven by constant current output drivers to maintain LED current while supply voltage changes, then the input power remains constant and LED operation is stable, but the input impedance varies with supply voltage causing voltage imbalances and connection problems

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED operation stabilityVSAvoidvoltage imbalance and connection damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The driver circuit dynamically switches between constant input power mode and constant input impedance mode based on supply voltage conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain stable LED operation under normal conditions while preventing voltage imbalances during abnormal voltage variations, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational stability and connection safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the input impedance parameter from constant to variable based on supply voltage thresholds. When supply voltage drops below a threshold, the driver transitions to constant input impedance mode, adjusting the impedance parameter to prevent excessive current draw and voltage imbalances, thus eliminating the harmful effects while maintaining LED operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If LED lights are connected in series to achieve higher voltage operation, then the system can operate at higher voltages, but severe voltage imbalance occurs causing lights to dim or be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating voltageVSAvoidvoltage balance
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The driver incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor supply voltage and adjust the input impedance accordingly. In series connections, this feedback ensures that each LED light maintains appropriate impedance levels, preventing voltage imbalances and ensuring reliable operation at higher voltages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts input impedance based on real-time voltage conditions detected during operation. This dynamic adjustment ensures that voltage distribution remains balanced across series-connected lights, allowing high voltage operation while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If LED lights are connected to three-phase systems with floating neutral configuration, then the system can be installed in industrial settings, but neutral faults cause large voltages exceeding light ratings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidovervoltage damage from neutral faults
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The driver proactively monitors supply voltage for signs of neutral faults and preemptively adjusts input impedance to constant mode before overvoltage conditions develop. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effects of neutral faults before they can damage the LED lights, while maintaining installation flexibility in three-phase systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Illumination intensity

If universal input LED lights draw constant power during low voltage conditions, then they maintain light output, but they increase input current placing additional strain on power distribution systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight outputVSAvoidinput current strain
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The driver dynamically adapts its power draw characteristics based on supply voltage levels. During low voltage conditions, it transitions to constant input impedance mode, which naturally limits current draw and reduces strain on the power distribution system while maintaining appropriate light output levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the power consumption parameter from constant to variable based on supply voltage conditions. During low voltage events, the input power parameter is adjusted to prevent excessive current draw, thereby reducing strain on the power distribution system while maintaining functional illumination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2939344B1Automatic input impedance control
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 DIALIGHT CORP
  • EP2939344B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2939344B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2939344B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to an input impedance control circuit. In one embodiment, the automatic input impedance control circuit includes a circuit controller that comprises a module for calculating an impedance and a control logic module, wherein the control logic module provides a current enable signal and a current control output signal, a driver in communication with the circuit controller for receiving the current enable signal and the current control output signal, an input voltage sensing circuit in communication with the module for calculating the impedance and the control logic module and an input current sensing circuit in communication with the module for calculating the impedance.