Light Source Module Controller for Time-Multiplexed LED Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED display systems require multiple controllers to manage a large number of LED strings, increasing system cost due to limited control pins in a single controller.
Innovation Solution
A controller with a switching module that delivers power to multiple LED arrays in non-overlapping sequences of discrete time slots, using a single controller to manage multiple LED arrays and regulating current independently through shared current sensing terminals, with additional modules to prevent residual image issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controllers are used to control more LED strings, then the number of controllable LED strings increases, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple LED array control functions into a single controller by sharing current sensing terminals and power converter resources across multiple LED arrays. The controller alternately activates different LED arrays using the same hardware resources, eliminating the need for separate controllers for each LED array and reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with universal functionality to control multiple LED arrays using a single set of current sensing terminals and power converter. The same hardware components serve multiple purposes by time-multiplexing their usage across different LED arrays, making the controller multi-functional rather than dedicated to a single LED array.
2Device complexity
If a single controller controls multiple LED arrays, then system cost decreases, but control precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller employs periodic action by alternately activating different LED arrays in discrete time slots. Each LED array receives dedicated control attention during its assigned time slot, ensuring precise current regulation despite sharing hardware resources. This time-division multiplexing maintains control precision while enabling multiple LED arrays to be managed by a single controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary action by pre-regulating the voltage across each LED string to below a threshold before activation. This prevents residual image issues and ensures clean transitions between different LED arrays. The voltage regulation occurs in advance during non-activation periods, maintaining precision without requiring additional hardware.
3Illumination intensity
If power is delivered to multiple LED arrays simultaneously, then brightness coverage increases, but residual image issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by delivering power to LED arrays in alternating sequences rather than simultaneously. Each LED array is activated during specific discrete time slots, ensuring complete off-periods between activations. This temporal separation prevents residual image formation while maintaining overall brightness coverage through rapid alternation between arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller applies preliminary action by regulating voltage to below threshold levels before switching between LED arrays. This pre-regulation ensures that no residual voltage remains that could cause unwanted LED activation or residual images. The voltage control occurs in advance during transition periods, eliminating harmful residual effects.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for controlling a light source module including a first LED array and a second LED array includes a first driving terminal and a second driving terminal. The controller is operable for turning on a switch between a power converter and the first LED array by the first driving terminal to deliver electric power from the power converter to the first LED array in a first sequence of discrete time slots, and for turning on a second switch between the power converter and the second LED array by the second driving terminal to deliver electric power from the power converter to the second LED array in a second sequence of discrete time slots, where the first sequence of discrete time slots and the second sequence of discrete time slots are mutually exclusive.