Multi-Interface LED Driver Programmer via Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing programmable LED drivers require costly built-in USB-to-I2C conversion circuits, which increase the per-unit cost and are not cost-effective for end users, and lack flexibility in communication interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A multiple interface LED driver programmer with USB, I2C, and Manchester serial interfaces that converts USB data into I2C and Manchester serial formats, allowing programming of LED drivers via a computer GUI, and includes a pass-through USB port for Near Field Communication, reducing the need for separate USB-I2C and RS232 programmers and providing isolated power for safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If LED drivers include built-in USB-to-I2C conversion circuits, then programming capability is improved, but per-unit cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming capabilityVSAvoidper-unit cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The USB-to-I2C conversion circuit is extracted from the LED driver and placed in a separate external programmer device. This allows the LED driver to be manufactured without the costly conversion circuit, while still providing programming capability through the external device that connects via USB and I2C interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The external programmer device is designed to support multiple communication protocols (USB, RS232, I2C, Manchester serial) and can program multiple different LED driver models. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for each LED driver to have its own dedicated USB-to-I2C conversion circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If LED drivers support multiple communication interfaces, then interface flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The external programmer acts as an intermediary that handles multiple communication protocols. Instead of the LED driver supporting multiple interfaces directly, the external programmer converts between different protocols (USB, RS232, I2C, Manchester serial), simplifying the LED driver's interface requirements while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10782938B2Multiple interface led driver programmer

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 EPTRONICS INC

AI summary

An I2C and Manchester multiple serial interface LED driver programmer has a programmer that changes the operation parameters in the EEPROM of the LED driver via a computer graphic user interface. The LED driver operation is thus programmed according to the parameters stored in the EEPROM. The multiple interfaces are selectable as USB-to-I2C, RS232-to-I2C, USB-to-TxD/RxD, RS232-to-TxD/RxD and 3rd via a pass through USB-to-USB port for expanded LED programming interface such as Near Field Communication. The I2C and Manchester multiple serial interface LED driver has multiple output interface with USB-to-I2C, RS232-to-I2C, USB-to-TxD/RxD, RS232-to-TxD/RxD and third pass through USB-to-USB port for Near Field Communication interface.