LED Operating Circuit Modulating Control Signals on DC Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating circuits for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) lack efficient and cost-effective methods for bidirectional communication, requiring additional effort and resources for signal transmission and control functions.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a receiving unit and modulator within the operating circuit to modulate digital light control signals onto the DC supply voltage, utilizing Power Line Communication (PLC) via a DC bus, allowing for unidirectional or bidirectional communication without additional signal lines, and incorporating an integrated semiconductor circuit for control and demodulation functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional signal lines and separate communication modules are added to enable bidirectional communication, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communication function with the existing power supply lines by integrating a modulator and demodulator into the operating circuit. Digital control signals are modulated onto the DC supply voltage for transmission, and incoming signals are demodulated from the same line, eliminating the need for separate communication signal lines and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The DC supply voltage line serves dual purposes: providing power to the operating circuit and transmitting digital control signals. This multi-functional use of the existing power line improves communication capability without adding dedicated communication infrastructure, thereby avoiding increased device complexity
2Reliability
If separate semiconductor chips are used for communication and control functions, then communication reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the modulator, demodulator, and control circuitry into a single semiconductor chip. This consolidation maintains communication reliability by ensuring coordinated operation of all functions while significantly reducing manufacturing costs through single-chip production rather than assembling multiple separate chips
Solution Approach 2:
A single semiconductor chip performs multiple functions including power management, signal modulation, demodulation, and LED control. This multi-functional integration reduces the total number of components required, simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing assembly costs while maintaining system reliability
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 enables efficient communication and control of LED current, reducing space and cost requirements by eliminating the need for separate semiconductor chips and additional signal lines, while allowing for open-loop or closed-loop control functions.
Implementation Method 1
The modulator modulates the control signals onto the DC supply voltage. The operating circuit is set up to receive the DC supply voltage and to provide an LED current for the at least one light-emitting diode.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A lighting system comprising an operating device for at least one light-emitting diode (5), an LED module which is connected to the operating device (70, 80), a source (2; 60, 61) which is set up to provide the DC supply voltage (41), a DC bus (3) which connects the operating device (70, 80) and the source (2; 60, 61), a receiving unit (30) for receiving digital light control signals according to a predefined protocol, preferably according to the DALI standard, and a modulator (4; 66) for modulating the control signals (42, 44) onto the DC supply voltage (41), wherein the modulator (4; 66) modulates the control signals (42, 44) onto the DC supply voltage (41) on the basis of the current level of the digital light control signals received by the receiving unit (30).