LED Driver Circuit Pin Reduction via Signal Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED driver circuits require multiple input pins for actual value signals associated with different switching phases, making them complex and costly to produce.
Innovation Solution
Combining the two actual value signals into a single input pin, with decoupling means to allow the IC to discriminate and evaluate them separately, thereby simplifying the circuit configuration and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple input pins are provided for separate actual value signals, then the IC can evaluate signals from different switching phases separately, but the device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple input pins into a single input pin by merging the actual value signals from different switching phases into one signal line. This reduces the number of pins required on the IC while still allowing separate evaluation of the signals through temporal separation during different switching phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic switching phases to separate the actual value signals in time. During different phases of the switching cycle, different actual value signals are presented to the single input pin, allowing the IC to evaluate them separately despite the physical consolidation into one pin.
2Measurement precision
If multiple input pins are provided for actual value signals, then separate signal evaluation is enabled, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple input pins into a single input pin structure, which simplifies the IC design and reduces manufacturing complexity. This consolidation directly lowers production costs while maintaining the functional capability to evaluate multiple actual value signals through temporal separation during switching phases.
3Adaptability or versatility
If clock frequency or duty factor is varied to match different loads, then adaptability to variable loads improves, but control circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the IC evaluates actual value signals from different switching phases and uses this information to automatically adjust the clock frequency or duty factor of the clocked switch. This feedback loop enables the control circuit to adapt to different load conditions without requiring complex manual configuration or multiple separate control circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for operating at least one LED (“driver circuit”) includes input terminals to be connected to an input or operating voltage in the form of a direct current (DC) voltage or a rectified alternating current (AC) voltage, and output terminals to be connected to a load circuit containing the at least one LED. The circuit includes a clocked switch and a control circuit for clocking the switch. The control circuit is in the form of an integrated circuit (IC) and is provided with input and output pins. The control circuit generates a clock signal for the switch depending on at least two actual value signals, such that there is a control loop with the manipulated variable “clocking of the switch.”