LED Lighting Circuit with Shared Array for Curved Dimming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED lighting circuits with two arrays can only approximate the dimming behavior of incandescent lamps by following a straight line in color space, which is perceived as unnatural due to the higher cost of drivers and inability to mimic the curved black body locus.
Innovation Solution
A lighting circuit configuration using two drivers to control three arrays of LEDs, where one array is shared between both drivers, allowing for a 'virtual' third driver to achieve any color path through a two-dimensional color space, including curved paths, by adjusting current distribution and overlap durations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two drivers are used to control two LED arrays, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to follow curved black body locus is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions by having two drivers share a common LED array. The first driver controls the first LED array and shares the second LED array with the second driver. This sharing arrangement creates a virtual third driver effect, enabling curved black body locus following while maintaining only two physical drivers, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second LED array serves multiple functions: it is controlled by the first driver to contribute to warm white light, and simultaneously controlled by the second driver to contribute to cool white light. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve three-color-point mixing capability with only two drivers, resolving the contradiction by making one driver-controlled array universal in its function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If three drivers are used for three LED arrays, then the ability to follow curved black body locus is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions by having two drivers share a common LED array. The first driver controls the first LED array and shares the second LED array with the second driver. This sharing arrangement creates a virtual third driver effect, enabling curved black body locus following while maintaining only two physical drivers, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second LED array serves multiple functions: it is controlled by the first driver to contribute to warm white light, and simultaneously controlled by the second driver to contribute to cool white light. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve three-color-point mixing capability with only two drivers, resolving the contradiction by making one driver-controlled array universal in its function.
3Ease of manufacture
If two drivers control two LED arrays, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the dimming behavior appears unnatural
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions by having two drivers share a common LED array. The first driver controls the first LED array and shares the second LED array with the second driver. This sharing arrangement creates a virtual third driver effect, enabling curved black body locus following while maintaining only two physical drivers, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second LED array serves multiple functions: it is controlled by the first driver to contribute to warm white light, and simultaneously controlled by the second driver to contribute to cool white light. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve three-color-point mixing capability with only two drivers, resolving the contradiction by making one driver-controlled array universal in its function.
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 LED lighting circuit to mimic the dimming behavior of incandescent lamps by following a curved black body locus, providing a more natural lighting experience while reducing the number of required drivers and associated costs.
Implementation Method 1
An LED light source generally comprises an array of LEDs
Implementation Method 2
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are being used to replace conventional light sources
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a lighting circuit (1) comprising a first array (S1) of semiconductor light sources (L1) and a separate second array (S2) of semiconductor light sources (L2); a shared array (SH) of semiconductor light sources (LH); a first driver (11) arranged to drive the first array (S1) and the shared array (SH); and a second driver (12) arranged to drive the shared array (SH) and the second array(S2). The invention further describes a method of manufacturing such a lighting circuit (1); and a method of controlling such a lighting circuit (1).