Programmable LED Driver with Embedded NVM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED drivers require external resistors to set current, leading to increased cost, board space, and complexity, and lack a convenient method to change operation modes without altering metallization processes during fabrication.
Innovation Solution
A programmable LED driver with embedded non-volatile memory that stores control data for setting maximum current, internal resistor values, and charge pump operation modes, allowing for customization of LED driver features without requiring different metallization steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an external resistor is used to set the current in LEDs, then the current can be controlled, but the board space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the resistor function into the LED driver IC by implementing an internal current mirror circuit that uses matched transistor pairs and shared reference voltage generation. This eliminates the need for external resistors while maintaining precise current control through the internal circuit architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal reference voltage generator and current mirror circuit serve multiple functions: they provide precise current setting, enable programmable current adjustment through digital control, and eliminate the need for external resistor components. The same circuit structure supports different current levels through digital programming rather than physical component changes.
2Measurement precision
If an external resistor is used to set the current in LEDs, then the current can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the resistor function with the LED driver IC's internal circuitry, creating an integrated current mirror circuit that uses matched transistors and shared voltage references. This integration reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies the overall circuit architecture while maintaining precise current control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different metallization processes are used during fabrication to change operation modes, then different current levels can be achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode switching through digital control of the current mirror circuit. Different current levels and operation modes are achieved by programming control signals to switch between different transistor configurations or current reference values, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different applications without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters (current levels, operation modes) through digital programming of control signals rather than altering the physical metallization structure. This allows the same fabricated IC to be configured for different applications by software or digital control, eliminating the need for complex fabrication process variations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single IC is designed to implement multiple functionalities through programming, then versatility increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal LED driver IC with an integrated current mirror circuit and programmable control that can implement multiple current levels and operation modes. The same internal circuit structure serves different functions through digital programming, allowing a single IC to replace multiple specialized devices while maintaining manageable internal complexity through modular circuit design.
Data Source
AI summary
An LED driver includes an embedded non-volatile memory (NVM) capable of being programmed and storing control data for setting a variety of features of the LED driver, such as the maximum current for driving the LEDs, analog parameters such as the resistance of the internal resistor for setting the reference current for the LEDs, and the operation modes of the charge pump of the LED driver. This enables implementation of multiple LED driver product options without the need for different metallization steps during the fabrication process for the LED driver.