LED Driver Load Modulation for Operating Condition Feedback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED systems face challenges in reliably monitoring and adjusting operating conditions without interrupting normal operation, as conventional methods require complex and expensive external circuitry for feedback, leading to compatibility issues between LEDs and drivers over time.

Innovation Solution

A compact electronics package co-located with LEDs uses a microcontroller and modulation circuitry to directly transmit operating condition information to the LED driver, optimizing performance by varying the driver's load without a dedicated communication channel, using a thermistor and transistor to modulate the load in a temporal pattern undetectable to the human eye.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external circuitry is used to monitor LED operating conditions and transmit feedback signals, then LED performance can be optimized, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLED performance optimizationVSAvoidcircuit design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the LED device with monitoring and communication circuitry into an integrated electronics package. The microcontroller, temperature sensor, and modulation circuitry are co-located with the LEDs, eliminating the need for separate external monitoring systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining performance optimization capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The LED device performs self-monitoring through the integrated electronics package that directly senses operating conditions and communicates with the driver. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external specialized sensing systems, reducing both complexity and cost while maintaining reliable performance optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If a dedicated data channel is used to communicate LED operating conditions to the driver, then information transmission is reliable, but the circuit design becomes more complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating condition information transmissionVSAvoidcommunication channel circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing LED power connection serve dual functions: both power delivery and data communication. By modulating the LED load, the same electrical path used for powering the LEDs also carries operating condition information back to the driver, eliminating the need for separate communication channels and reducing circuit complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses load modulation as an intermediary mechanism to encode and transmit information. By varying the LED load in response to sensed operating conditions, the system converts physical condition data into electrical signal variations that can be detected by the driver, enabling reliable communication without dedicated data paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If feedback signals are transmitted to adjust LED operating conditions, then LED performance and lifetime are optimized, but normal LED operation may be interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLED performance optimizationVSAvoidcontinuous LED operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic modulation of the LED load at frequencies imperceptible to the human eye. This periodic action allows continuous transmission of operating condition information and driver adjustments without creating visible flicker or interrupting the perceived continuity of LED operation, maintaining both optimization and operational smoothness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Ease of manufacture

If the sensing system is positioned far from the LEDs, then installation is easier, but the accuracy of operating condition monitoring decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidoperating condition sensing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sensing components directly with the LED electronics package, positioning the temperature sensor and microcontroller in immediate proximity to the LEDs. This integration ensures accurate measurement of LED operating conditions while the entire package is designed as a compact unit that simplifies installation as a single module

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for real-time optimization of LED performance and lifetime by selectively monitoring and adjusting operating conditions without disrupting normal operation, simplifying circuit design and reducing unnecessary circuitry, while maintaining negligible impact on LED operation.

Implementation Method 1

The sensing circuitry may include a thermistor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermistor: Thermistor

Implementation Method 2

communication circuitry for modulating a load of the LED driver based on the sensed operating condition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLoad modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS9253845B2Systems and methods for data communication from an LED device to the driver system

Publication Date: 2016.02.02 LEDVANCE LLC

AI summary

One or more operating conditions of an LED device is sensed, and the sensed condition is communicated to an LED driver by modulating a load thereof.