LED Module Load Modulation for Parameter Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

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

Innovation Solution

The LED module employs a load change mechanism to transmit information to the converter through power consumption patterns, using a circuit that represents a load only during a limited starting phase or when the supply voltage is below the forward voltage, allowing for bidirectional communication without additional lines or pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional components or connections are used to transmit operating parameters from LED module to converter, 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 patent combines the information transmission function with the existing power supply connection between converter and LED module. By utilizing the power supply lines to carry both power and information (through load modulation), the invention eliminates the need for separate communication channels, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable information transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply connection is given multiple functions: it simultaneously provides electrical power to the LED module and serves as a communication channel for transmitting operating parameters. This multi-functionality approach allows the same physical connection to fulfill both energy and information transfer roles, reducing the overall system complexity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional components are added to enable parameter transmission, then information exchange capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the communication functionality with existing power supply components, eliminating the need for additional communication-specific parts. This approach maintains full parameter transmission capability while using only the already-present power supply infrastructure, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The LED module uses its own power consumption characteristics to encode and transmit information back to the converter. By modulating its load based on stored operating parameters, the module performs self-identification and parameter communication without requiring external communication components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If separate communication channel is used for parameter transmission, then information accuracy is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter transmission accuracyVSAvoidcommunication channel components
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines information modulation with the power supply function, using the existing electrical connection to carry both power and data. This approach maintains accurate parameter transmission by encoding information in the load characteristics that the converter can detect, while avoiding the need for separate communication hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by having the LED module modulate its power consumption based on stored operating parameters, creating a communication signal that flows back to the converter through the power supply line. This feedback mechanism enables accurate bidirectional information exchange using the same physical channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3075211B1Method and apparatus for detecting LED modules
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 TRIDONIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3075211B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3075211B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3075211B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a LED module (1), comprising - connections (2) for a LED path (3); - a circuit (4) which is configured to produce a load, preferably an effective power load, if during a starting phase a constant current is applied to the LED module (1), and which is configured not to produce a load when the starting phase has finished, wherein the circuit (4) is designed to produce a variable-current load which effects a change in the power consumption of the LED module (1) according to at least one predetermined protocol.