Multichannel LED Driver Power Control via Shared Limiter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multichannel LED drivers face complexity and reliability issues due to the need for multiple current and voltage limiter circuits, which increase manufacturing costs and introduce fault points, while existing solutions do not offer flexible control over output power across parallel channels.
Innovation Solution
A driver device with a common output power limiter that produces a bus voltage with a specific power rating, allowing flexible division of output power between multiple output stages, each configured to provide output current to LEDs, while ensuring the sum of output powers does not exceed the rating, thereby simplifying the structure and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple current and voltage limiter circuits are used in each channel, then output power control is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate current and voltage limiter circuits into a single shared limiter circuit that serves all parallel channels. This merging approach reduces the total number of components while maintaining the ability to control output power across multiple channels, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The shared limiter circuit is designed to perform multiple functions across different channels simultaneously. Instead of having dedicated limiter circuits for each channel, a single universal limiter circuit controls the output power for all channels, reducing component count while maintaining full control capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple current and voltage limiter circuits are used in each channel, then output power control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple limiter circuits into one shared circuit, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This directly lowers manufacturing costs while preserving the ability to control output power across multiple channels
Solution Approach 2:
The universal limiter circuit serves all channels, reducing the bill of materials and assembly complexity. This multi-functional approach eliminates redundant components, directly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining full output power control capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple current and voltage limiter circuits are used in each channel, then output power control is achieved, but reliability decreases due to increased fault points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate limiter circuits into a single shared circuit, reducing the total number of potential failure points. Fewer discrete components mean fewer opportunities for component failure, thereby improving system reliability while maintaining output power control across all channels
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple current and voltage limiter circuits are used in each channel, then output power control is achieved, but circuit board space increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple limiter circuits into one shared circuit, the patent significantly reduces the footprint required on the circuit board. This consolidation eliminates redundant components and interconnections, freeing up board space while maintaining full output power control capability across multiple channels
Data Source
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AI summary
A driver device provides output current for one or more light-emitting semiconductor devices. The driver device comprises a first converter means (102) for producing a bus voltage. Said first converter means has a power rating. Two or more output stages (203, 204) are coupled to receive said bus voltage and each configured to provide, at an output power specific to the respective output stage, output current to one or more light-emitting semiconductor devices coupled to the output of the respective output stage. A common output power limiter (201) is configured to limit the sum of output powers of said two or more output stages to a combined power value that is smaller than or equal to said power rating.