LED Light-Source Module Current Balancing Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In light-source modules for display devices, current differences between LED strings lead to non-uniform brightness, causing degradation and inefficiency, as any malfunction in one string affects the current distribution across connected strings.

Innovation Solution

A light-source module with a current difference controller and converter system that adjusts the driving power to each LED string based on feedback control signals, ensuring uniform current distribution by generating power control signals to maintain brightness within a predetermined operating range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If multiple LED strings are connected in parallel to provide sufficient light output, then the total brightness is improved, but current distribution becomes non-uniform when one string malfunctions, causing brightness non-uniformity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal brightnessVSAvoidbrightness uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where each LED string is equipped with a current detector that monitors the current flowing through it. The detected current information is fed back to a controller, which then adjusts the driving signals to compensate for current imbalances. This feedback loop ensures that when one LED string malfunctions or experiences current variation, the system automatically compensates by adjusting other strings, thereby maintaining uniform brightness across all LED strings while preserving the high total brightness output achieved through parallel connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the total current of LED strings is controlled as a whole, then the system complexity is reduced, but current differences between individual strings increase, leading to non-uniform brightness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidbrightness uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control system into independent control units, with each LED string having its own current detector and being individually controllable. Instead of using a single centralized controller for all LED strings, the system segments the control function so that each string can be monitored and adjusted independently. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low overall complexity while achieving precise current balancing across individual strings, thereby ensuring uniform brightness without requiring complex centralized control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If current flows uniformly through all LED strings, then brightness uniformity is improved, but the system cannot compensate for malfunctions in individual strings, causing rapid degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrightness uniformityVSAvoidLED lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control mechanism that continuously monitors current distribution across LED strings and automatically adjusts driving signals in real-time. When a malfunction or current imbalance is detected in any LED string, the controller dynamically redistributes the current load among the remaining healthy strings. This dynamic adjustment prevents any single string from being overloaded, thereby compensating for malfunctions and extending the overall system lifespan while maintaining uniform brightness throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution maintains brightness uniformity across LED strings, reducing degradation and ensuring consistent light output by dynamically adjusting the current to each string, thereby extending the lifespan of LEDs and improving display performance.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the light emitting units may include: a control node configured to output the feedback control signal; an LED string including a plurality of LEDs and connected between the driving power input terminal and the control node; and a power detector connected between the control node and the ground terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical measurement: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS7999785B2Light-source module for display device and display device having the same
Publication Date: 2011.08.16 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US7999785B2 patent drawing
  • US7999785B2 patent drawing
  • US7999785B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A light-source module for a display device and a display device having the same, in which the light-source module includes a plurality of light-emitting units, a current difference controller, and a converter. The light-emitting units are connected in parallel between a driving power input terminal and a ground terminal to emit light by the diving power and to output respective feedback control signals. The current difference controller is configured to output a plurality of power control signals according to the respective feedback control signals. The converter is configured to change a current of the driving power provided to the light-emitting units according to the power control signals. The amounts of currents flowing through the light emitting units each having a plurality of light emitting diodes are measured and the levels of voltages applied to the light-emitting units are changed according to the measurement results. Accordingly, a current difference between the light emitting units can be reduced and the brightness uniformity of the light source can be improved.