Multi-Channel LED Strip Control via Time-Multiplexed PWM Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In compact electronic assemblies, such as LED strips, the limited width restricts the number of drive wires that can be connected, limiting the number of output channels and making it difficult to achieve complex control modes without increasing the product size.
Innovation Solution
An electronic assembly with a controller and driver that uses fewer drive wires to control multiple output channels by modulating signals based on characteristics like voltage, current, or their combination, allowing for more channels to be controlled without increasing the number of wires, thereby reducing the assembly's width and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If more drive wires are added to control more output channels, then the number of controllable channels increases, but the width of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single drive wire by using pulse width modulation (PWM) signals. Instead of requiring separate wires for each channel, one drive wire can control multiple LED channels through time-multiplexed PWM signals, reducing the number of wires needed and thus the assembly width.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial multiplexing (multiple wires for multiple channels) to temporal multiplexing (single wire controlling multiple channels over time). By adding the time dimension to the control mechanism, the system can control more channels without increasing the spatial footprint of the assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of drive wires is increased to achieve complex control modes, then control capability improves, but the complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the drive wire universal by enabling it to control multiple different LED channels through PWM modulation. The same drive wire can selectively control different channels at different time intervals, providing multi-functionality without requiring multiple dedicated wires for each control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from spatial distribution (which wire controls which channel) to temporal distribution (when each channel is controlled). By varying the timing and duration of PWM signals on a single drive wire, the system achieves complex control modes without increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic assembly with multi-channel outputs may include a controller and a driver. The controller may be configured to gate m channels of outputs thereof. The driver may be configured to provide n channels of modulated signal to the controller via n wires. The n is less than m. A lighting device using the electronic assembly may further include a plurality of lighting units. The driver may include a wireless communication module to receive control signal, and the driver is configured to modulate the input DC signal based on the control signal. The n wires may be aligned along a width direction of the substrate at the end of the substrate.