LED Driver Programming via Voltage Signal Amplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LED driver circuits face issues with speed and accuracy in transmitting digital messages due to their predominantly analog circuitry, leading to inefficiencies in programming the output current level.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an amplifier to convert negative voltage input signals into positive voltage output signals, allowing a microcontroller to accurately set the output current level by entering a programming mode when the voltage exceeds a threshold, using existing circuit dimming leads to eliminate the need for extra wires and enhance programmability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If digital messages are transmitted through analog circuitry to the microcontroller, then the LED driver can be programmed with programmable settings, but the speed and accuracy of the digital messages are distorted and diminished

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprogrammabilityVSAvoidmessage accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using an operational amplifier circuit as a mediator between the programming interface and the microcontroller. The amplifier circuit converts the incoming voltage signal into a properly scaled and conditioned signal that the microcontroller can accurately interpret, thereby preventing distortion and maintaining message accuracy while enabling programmability through the existing analog interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional digital message transmission approach with an analog voltage signal-based programming method. Instead of transmitting digital messages through potentially distorting analog circuitry, the system uses direct voltage signal injection that is amplified and interpreted by the microcontroller, eliminating the distortion problem while maintaining programmability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If conventional digital message transmission is used, then programmable settings can be implemented, but the speed and accuracy of transmission are reduced due to analog circuitry distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming speedVSAvoidcurrent level accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the voltage signal parameters directly. The operational amplifier circuit adjusts the voltage level and characteristics of the programming signal to match what the microcontroller expects, thereby improving both the speed and accuracy of current level programming without requiring complex digital communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If extra wires and programming interfaces are added to improve programmability, then more lighting systems can be supported, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing the LED driver to accept programming signals through the existing dimming leads that are already part of the standard lighting fixture interface. This multi-functional approach allows the same physical interface to serve both as a dimming control and a programming interface, eliminating the need for additional wires or complex programming hardware while maintaining broad system compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the LED driver to program itself using the existing circuit infrastructure. The microcontroller automatically detects programming signals through the dimming leads and configures the output current accordingly, eliminating the need for external programming equipment or additional wiring while maintaining versatility across different lighting systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 accurate programming of LED drivers, allowing a single driver to support various loads and lighting systems with improved flexibility and reduced costs.

Implementation Method 1

an amplifier configured to receive a negative voltage input signal and produce a positive voltage output signal in response thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal inversion:

Data Source

PatentUS9131578B2Programmable light emitting diode (LED) driver technique based upon an input voltage signal

Publication Date: 2015.09.08 GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

Provided is an LED driver including an amplifier configured to receive a negative voltage input signal and produce a positive voltage output signal in response thereto. Also included is a microcontroller configured for sensing a value of the positive voltage output signal. The microcontroller (i) enters a programming mode when the value exceeds a threshold and (ii) produces an output current responsive to the value.