Dynamic LED String Configuration for Voltage Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread adoption of low-voltage LEDs and LED-based lighting units is hindered by the need for energy conversion from higher power supply voltages, which results in inefficiency and wasted energy, as well as the challenge of integrating power management components with LED packages due to the size and inefficiency of conventional voltage conversion methods.
Innovation Solution
A system that compares the supply voltage with the series voltage drop across LEDs to dynamically adjust the number of LEDs operated in series, using a controller and power section to manage switches and optimize voltage usage, thereby eliminating the need for traditional voltage conversion and enhancing integration with LED packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional voltage conversion methods are used to power low-voltage LEDs from higher power supply voltages, then LEDs can be operated, but energy conversion efficiency deteriorates and power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the number of LEDs connected in series based on the detected power supply voltage. The controller monitors the voltage and reconfigures the LED string accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to varying voltage conditions without energy conversion losses. This dynamic reconfiguration eliminates the need for traditional voltage conversion methods that cause power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by varying the number of LEDs in series connection based on the detected voltage level. When voltage is high, more LEDs are connected in series to match the voltage; when voltage is low, fewer LEDs are used. This parameter adjustment allows direct operation from the power supply without conversion, maintaining energy efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional voltage conversion components are integrated with LED packages, then power management is achieved, but device size increases and integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for traditional voltage conversion components (such as DC-DC converters, inductors, and capacitors) from the LED package. Instead of integrating these bulky components, the system uses a simplified controller that directly manages LED configuration based on voltage detection, thereby reducing device size and simplifying integration while maintaining power management functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED system performs its own voltage adaptation through self-configuration. The controller detects the power supply voltage and automatically reconfigures the LED string to match, eliminating the need for external voltage conversion components. This self-service approach simplifies the overall device structure and reduces integration complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of LEDs in series is fixed, then circuit design is simplified, but adaptability to different power supply voltages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic LED configuration system where the controller can reconfigure the number of LEDs in series based on detected voltage conditions. Switches or multiplexers are used to dynamically connect different numbers of LEDs in series, allowing the system to adapt to various power supply voltages (e.g., 5V, 12V, 24V) without requiring fixed circuit design, thus achieving voltage adaptability with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: voltage detection, LED configuration management, and power regulation. This multi-functional approach allows a single component to handle voltage adaptability across different power supply conditions, reducing the need for separate circuitry for each voltage level and thereby managing overall circuit complexity while achieving universality.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling an LED-based lighting system includes a comparison circuit configured to compare at least one signal representative of a supply voltage with at least one other signal representative of a series voltage drop over at least some of a plurality of LEDs connected electrically in series. The apparatus includes a controller, connected to the comparison circuit; and a power section connected to the controller. The power section is configured to operate at least one switch such that the number of LEDs operated in series may be changed in response to the comparison circuit.