LED Driver Processor External Programming via Control Input Rerouting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for upgrading firmware in LED driver processors, such as in-application programming and dedicated programming wires, face limitations including lack of support in all processors, slow processing, and increased costs and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves external programming of an LED driver processor using control inputs, where in a normal operation mode, specific control inputs are directed to processor inputs, and upon entering a programming mode, these inputs are rerouted to programming inputs, allowing for the processor to be programmed via a programmer, potentially using stored energy to maintain the programming mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If in-application programming is used to upgrade firmware, then programming capability is provided, but processing speed is slow and not all processors support it
Solution Approach 1:
The control inputs of the LED driver are designed to serve dual purposes: normal operational control and programming mode. By making the control inputs multi-functional, the system achieves universal compatibility across different processor types without requiring processor-specific programming interfaces, thereby resolving the contradiction between broad processor support and efficient programming capability
2Productivity
If dedicated programming wires are used to upgrade firmware, then programming speed is improved, but materials cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control inputs are designed to function as both operational control interfaces and programming interfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated programming wires, reducing materials costs and space requirements while maintaining efficient programming capability through the existing control input pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The programming function is merged with the normal operational control inputs. By combining these functions into a single interface system, the patent eliminates redundant programming wires and reduces overall device complexity while preserving fast programming capability through the integrated control input pathways
3Adaptability or versatility
If control inputs are rerouted to programming inputs in programming mode, then existing interfaces are utilized for programming, but mode switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or pulsed signaling on the control inputs to indicate programming mode entry. This periodic action allows the control inputs to be reused for both normal operation and programming without requiring complex permanent reconfiguration mechanisms, thereby reducing mode switching complexity while maintaining interface versatility
Data Source
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AI summary
External programming of at least one processor (30) of a LED driver (10). In a normal operation mode a first control input (22B/22C) of the LED driver (10) may be provided to a first processor input of the processor and a second control input (22B/22C) of the LED driver may be provided to a second processor input of the processor (30). In a programming mode the first and second control inputs (22B, 22C) may be provided to programing inputs of the processor (30) to thereby enable programming of the processor (30) via the first and second control inputs (22B, 22C).