LED Driver Priority Queue for Dominant Channel Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED driver circuits struggle to manage complex illumination scenarios with varying numbers of LEDs, dimming duty cycles, and phasing across different channels, complicating the design of DC-DC converters and control circuitry.
Innovation Solution
An electronic circuit with control circuitry that sets a duty cycle for a DC-DC converter based on the dominant LED channel's voltage requirements, using a priority queue to track and update the dominant channel, and incorporating LED dimming logic for independent control of dimming duty cycles, current levels, and illumination start times across multiple LED channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If LED driver circuits are designed to support complex illumination functionality with different numbers of LEDs, dimming duty cycles, and phasing across channels, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED channels are segmented into a priority queue structure where each channel can be independently evaluated and prioritized based on its voltage requirements. The queue manager segments the control process into discrete steps: evaluating each channel's needs, determining priority order, and dynamically reconfiguring the DC-DC converter settings for each channel in sequence, thereby managing complexity through structured division.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the priority queue order based on real-time operating conditions of each LED channel. The queue manager continuously monitors channel requirements and reconfigures the priority sequence, allowing the DC-DC converter to adapt its duty cycle and voltage output dynamically. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to handle varying illumination requirements without requiring a completely redesigned complex converter for every possible scenario.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the regulated voltage level on the common voltage node is kept to a minimum to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to provide adequate power to all channels is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The priority queue system enables each LED channel to effectively 'self-serve' based on its priority level. Channels with higher priority (greater voltage requirements) automatically receive the necessary power levels when evaluated, while lower priority channels operate at reduced power levels. This self-service mechanism allows the system to minimize overall power consumption while ensuring that critical channels receive adequate power without requiring a uniformly high voltage level across all channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on channel priority and operating conditions. Instead of maintaining a fixed minimum voltage level for all channels, the DC-DC converter adjusts the regulated voltage level according to the current priority queue configuration. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize power consumption by lowering voltage for non-critical channels while maintaining adequate voltage levels for priority channels when needed.
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 and flexible management of LED channels with different complexities, optimizing power usage and simplifying the design of DC-DC converters by dynamically adjusting voltage and dimming settings based on channel priorities and operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
control circuitry for controlling a DC-DC converter to generate a regulated voltage on the common voltage node
Implementation Method 2
each LED channel in the plurality of LED channels includes a series-connected string of LEDs
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic circuit for driving a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) channels coupled to a common voltage node includes a priority queue for tracking a dominant LED channel. A queue manager may be provided to keep the priority queue updated during LED drive operations based on operating conditions associated with the LED channels.