LED Module Load Modulation for Bidirectional Parameter Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED module and converter systems require additional components, connections, or interaction to transmit operating parameters, leading to increased costs and reduced compactness.

Innovation Solution

The system utilizes load changes in the LED module to transmit information to the converter, employing a circuit that represents a load only within a specific voltage window, allowing for bidirectional communication without additional lines or pins, and is integrated into the semiconductor material for a cost-effective and compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional components or connections are used to transmit operating parameters, then information transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation transmissionVSAvoidcomponents and connections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supply voltage line is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both power delivery and bidirectional communication purposes. The LED module modulates the load on this existing line to encode information, while the converter detects these modulations to retrieve operating parameters, eliminating the need for separate communication channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the power supply function and data communication function into a single electrical connection. By superimposing communication signals on the power line through load modulation, the system merges two previously separate functions into one integrated interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional components are installed for parameter transmission, then communication capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The LED module itself serves as the communication interface by modulating its load characteristics. No separate communication IC or additional components are needed on the LED module side - the LED driver circuit naturally provides the modulation capability by varying the current draw based on embedded identification data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The existing supply voltage connection is made to perform dual functions: delivering power to the LED module and simultaneously serving as a bidirectional communication channel. This eliminates the need for additional communication-specific components that would increase manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If separate communication lines are used, then information transmission is improved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter transmissionVSAvoidcircuit board space
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The supply voltage line is transformed into a dual-purpose conduit that simultaneously carries electrical power and encoded information. The LED module modulates the load on this line to transmit identification and operating parameters back to the converter, eliminating the need for separate communication traces or pins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the power delivery path and information return path into a single electrical connection. By detecting load modulations on the supply line, the converter can retrieve communication data without requiring a physically separate communication channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3075213B1LED module
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3075213B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3075213B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3075213B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an LED module (1), comprising: connections (2) for an LED series (3); a circuit (4), which is designed to constitute a load, preferably an active-power load, when a first supply voltage (5a) not equal to zero is applied to the LED module (1), which active-power load is dimensioned in such a way that, when an LED series (3) is connected, said LED series is not conductive, and which is designed to constitute no load when a second supply voltage (5b) not equal to zero is applied to the LED module (1), for which second supply voltage, when an LED series (3) is connected, said LED series is conductive and light is emitted, wherein the type of load change is selected in dependence on the value of the first supply voltage and/or a modulation of the first supply voltage.