Multi-LED Driver Configuration via Sinusoidal Carrier Signal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for configuring LED drivers cannot simultaneously configure multiple unpowered drivers without applying mains power and are not designed to support parallel configurations, limiting their versatility and efficiency in luminaire installations.

Innovation Solution

A configuration device that generates a sinusoidal carrier signal modulated via ON-OFF keying to power microcontrollers in LED drivers, enabling two-way communication and simultaneous configuration of multiple unpowered drivers through a common communication medium, using a transformer with a primary and secondary winding and a full-bridge rectifier to provide operating power and detect tuning signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mains power is applied to LED drivers for configuration, then configuration can be performed, but the system cannot configure multiple unpowered drivers simultaneously and requires power connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriver configurationVSAvoidmulti-driver simultaneous configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an external configuration device as an intermediary that generates a sinusoidal carrier signal to simultaneously power and communicate with multiple unpowered LED drivers. This mediator enables configuration without requiring the drivers to be connected to mains power, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates power via the sinusoidal carrier signal, transmits configuration data, and receives status information from multiple drivers through the same communication medium. This multi-functionality enables simultaneous configuration of multiple unpowered drivers, addressing both ease of operation and versatility requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a common communication medium is used for multiple drivers, then simultaneous configuration is enabled, but signal detection and communication reliability become challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoidtuning signal detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by modulating the sinusoidal carrier signal via ON-OFF keying to encode configuration data. The microcontroller detects these parameter changes (signal presence/absence) to receive commands, while the transmit switch modulates the carrier to transmit responses. This enables reliable communication over the common medium despite the complexity of detecting multiple drivers' signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If unpowered drivers are configured simultaneously, then installation efficiency improves, but power delivery and signal transmission become complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidpower and signal delivery system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges power delivery and data communication into a single sinusoidal carrier signal transmitted through the common communication medium. The same wires used for analog dimming control are utilized for both powering the unpowered drivers and transmitting configuration data, reducing overall system complexity despite enabling simultaneous multi-driver configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables simultaneous configuration of multiple LED drivers without the need for mains power, allowing for efficient tuning and dimming operations while maintaining compatibility with analog dimming interfaces, supporting both many-to-one and one-to-many communication and power delivery.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using a transformer with a primary and secondary winding and a full-bridge rectifier to provide operating power and detect tuning signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification:

Data Source

PatentUS11096253B1Method and circuitry to configure multiple drivers simultaneously

Publication Date: 2021.08.17 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

AI summary

Multi-driver configuration apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided. Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for multi-driver configuration of a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) drivers. The system includes a plurality of LED drivers having a transformer, an input interface coupleable to the configuration device via a common communication medium, a microcontroller, a direct current (DC) sensing section to detect at least a portion of a tuning signal received at the input interface and to transmit a driver control input signal corresponding to the at least a portion of the tuning signal to the microcontroller, and a transmit switch configured to receive a driver control output signal from the microcontroller and to cause at least one output signal to be output from the LED driver via the input interface. A configuration device transmits the tuning signal to at least one LED driver.