LED Driver Bidirectional Communication via Voltage Override

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drivers for LED lighting lack a simple and cost-effective method for bidirectional communication between the power converter and the controller, primarily due to the power converter's inability to communicate back to the controller without increasing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

The driver incorporates a communication line where the power converter can override the control voltage to be outside a predetermined range, allowing it to communicate back to the controller, utilizing unallocated voltage ranges and existing communication protocols like DALI, enabling two-way communication without adding complex intelligent modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If intelligent building blocks are added to enable two-way communication from the power converter to the controller, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control voltage line, originally designed for one-way control from controller to power converter, is made multi-functional by enabling the power converter to override this same line for communication purposes. This allows a single existing component to serve dual functions: control signal transmission and bidirectional communication, eliminating the need for separate communication hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power converter uses its own control voltage output mechanism to generate communication signals by overriding the control voltage to specific levels (0V or 3.3V) that represent binary states. The power converter serves its own communication needs by repurposing its existing control interface rather than requiring external communication modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If intelligent building blocks are added to enable two-way communication from the power converter to the controller, then communication capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication function is merged with the existing control voltage interface. The same physical line and circuit components used for control are also used for communication, combining two functions into one integrated system rather than having separate control and communication channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If the power converter overrides the control voltage to communicate back to the controller, then bidirectional communication is enabled, but the control voltage range is exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional communicationVSAvoidcontrol voltage range

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of the controller adjusting its output to accommodate communication needs, the approach is inverted: the power converter actively overrides the control voltage line with its own voltage levels (0V or 3.3V) to send communication signals. The controller then reads these voltage levels to interpret communication data, reversing the traditional control direction for communication purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The control voltage parameter is dynamically changed by the power converter to specific discrete levels (0V representing logic 0, 3.3V representing logic 1) for communication. These parameter changes are temporary and reversible, allowing the same voltage line to switch between control mode (within normal range) and communication mode (overriding range) as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4115710B1A driver for driving a load, as well as a corresponding LED based lighting device and a corresponding method of operating the driver

Publication Date: 2024.04.10 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV

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AI summary

A driver for driving a load, the driver comprising a power converter for converting an input to an output for powering the load, a controller for controlling the output of the power converter by controlling a control voltage on a communication line provided in between the power converter and the controller, wherein the controller is arranged to control the control voltage to be within a predetermined control voltage range, wherein the power converter is further arranged for communicating from the power converter to the controller by controlling the control voltage on the communication line to be outside of the predetermined control voltage range.