Multi-Channel LED Driver With Static And Dynamic Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driver devices for light sources, such as LEDs, are limited in their ability to simultaneously provide both static and dynamic lighting effects, requiring separate devices for different lighting requirements.

Innovation Solution

A driver device with a multichannel current control module, diagnostic module, control and configuration unit, and power supply voltage control, capable of operating in both stand-alone and data bus-controlled modes, allowing for flexible configuration between static and dynamic lighting modes and fault management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a driver device is designed for static lighting only, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting mode adaptabilityVSAvoiddriver device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver device is designed to perform both static and dynamic lighting functions through a single integrated controller. The control unit can operate in multiple modes: stand-alone mode for static lighting and data bus-controlled mode for dynamic lighting effects, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The driver device incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities through configurable registers that can be modified via data bus. The device transitions from fixed static control to dynamic programmable control, enabling sequential switching, dimming effects, and other dynamic lighting patterns while maintaining the ability to operate in static mode when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If separate driver devices are used for static and dynamic lighting, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting function reliabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines static and dynamic lighting control functions into a single driver device. The control unit integrates both stand-alone operation capabilities and data bus communication interfaces, merging what would traditionally require separate devices into one unified system that maintains the reliability of both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified driver device provides universal control for both static and dynamic lighting applications through configurable operation modes. The device can be programmed via data bus for dynamic effects or operate in stand-alone mode for static lighting, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a driver device supports multiple operating modes, then the adaptability improves, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating mode flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The driver device includes self-configuration capabilities where the control unit can automatically detect the operating mode requirements and configure appropriate parameters. The device provides default stand-alone mode operation that can be overridden via data bus, reducing the burden on users to manually configure complex parameters while maintaining full flexibility when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2947965B1Driver device for light sources
Publication Date: 2016.12.28 AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING ITALA
  • EP2947965B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2947965B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2947965B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A driver device of a plurality of light sources, in particular LEDs, comprises a multi-channel current control module (20) which sets a power supply current on a respective output channel connected to at least one light source (12). At least one static configuration register is connected to said current control module in which a static driving configuration corresponding to the value of the power supply current which the multi-channel current control module must set on each output channel when the driver device is in a stand alone operating mode, is pre-loaded as well as at least one dynamic configuration register suitable to load a dynamic driving configuration received from a digital transmission data bus connected to an electronic control unit.