LED Driving Apparatus Segmentation for High-Output AC Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED driving apparatuses without a converter circuit are limited in output due to the current properties of the controller IC, restricting the number of drivable LED arrays and limiting their application.
Innovation Solution
An LED driving apparatus that includes a rectifier circuit to convert AC power, a controller IC with internal switches to manage current flow, and a current controlling circuit to distribute current, allowing for the operation of high-output LEDs without a converter circuit by adjusting switch operations based on power magnitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a converter circuit is removed to reduce manufacturing costs and increase reliability, then device complexity and manufacturing costs decrease, but the current output capability is limited by the controller IC's current properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current control function by introducing a separate current controlling circuit that works in conjunction with the controller IC. The controller IC manages switching operations while the current controlling circuit handles current regulation, allowing the system to drive high-output LEDs without requiring the controller IC to directly handle the full current load.
Solution Approach 2:
The current controlling circuit acts as an intermediary between the controller IC and the LED arrays. It receives control signals from the controller IC and translates them into appropriate current levels for the LEDs, thereby enabling the controller IC to operate within its current limits while still driving high-power LED configurations.
2Device complexity
If the controller IC directly drives LED arrays without a current controlling circuit, then device complexity is reduced, but the number of drivable LED arrays is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two functional parts: the controller IC that generates switching signals and the current controlling circuit that regulates current to multiple LED arrays. This segmentation enables the system to support more LED arrays than the controller IC could handle alone, as the current controlling circuit manages the actual current distribution to multiple channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The current controlling circuit provides multi-functionality by serving as both a current regulator and a current distributor to multiple LED arrays. This single circuit performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate components, enabling the system to drive more LED arrays while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
3Device complexity
If high-output LEDs are driven without a current controlling circuit, then device complexity is minimized, but stress on the controller IC increases reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The current controlling circuit serves as a protective intermediary that shields the controller IC from excessive current stress. It receives low-power control signals from the controller IC and converts them into appropriately scaled current levels for the high-output LEDs, preventing the controller IC from being overloaded while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the power handling function from the control function. The controller IC handles only control signal generation while the current controlling circuit handles the actual high-current regulation and distribution to LED arrays, thereby protecting the controller IC from stress while enabling high-output LED operation.
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 the operation of high-output LEDs with AC power, increasing the output of the LED driving apparatus and reducing stress on the controller IC, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the lighting system.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifier circuit configured to rectify alternating current (AC) power to generate driving power for operating a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) arrays
Implementation Method 2
a controller integrated circuit (IC) including a plurality of internal switches connected to respective output terminals of the plurality of LED arrays and configured to control a path of a current flowing in the plurality of LED arrays by adjusting operations of the plurality of internal switches
Implementation Method 3
a current controlling circuit connected to the output terminal of at least one of the plurality of LED arrays and configured to control a current flowing in the at least one LED array
Data Source
AI summary
An LED driving apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present inventive concept may include a rectifier circuit rectifying alternating current (AC) power to generate driving power for operating a plurality of LED arrays; a controller integrated circuit (IC) including a plurality of internal switches connected to respective output terminals of the plurality of LED arrays and controlling a path of a current flowing in the plurality of LED arrays by adjusting operations of the plurality of internal switches according to a magnitude of the driving power; and a current controlling circuit connected to the output terminal of at least one of the plurality of LED arrays and controlling a current flowing in the at least one LED array.