Light Source Driver Using Dual Feedback to Remove DC/DC Converter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional light-source driving systems consume excess power and occupy large space due to the presence of a DC/DC converter, which increases power consumption and reduces efficiency, and also raises costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A light-source driving system that omits the DC/DC converter by using control circuitry to adjust the output voltage of an AC/DC converter based on feedback signals from both voltage and current, allowing for precise control of output currents without the need for a DC/DC converter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a DC/DC converter is used to adjust output voltage for current control, then output current control is achieved, but power consumption increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput current control precisionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the DC/DC converter from the circuit topology, extracting the problematic component that caused power losses. The output current control function is transferred to the control circuitry which adjusts the AC/DC converter instead, eliminating the energy-wasting intermediate conversion stage while maintaining control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the voltage adjustment function and current control function into a single integrated control system. The control circuitry simultaneously manages the AC/DC converter output voltage based on both voltage feedback and light source current feedback, combining multiple control functions into one unified approach that reduces component count and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a DC/DC converter is included in the driving system, then output voltage adjustment capability is provided, but the system occupies larger PCB area and increases size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput voltage adjustment capabilityVSAvoidPCB area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The DC/DC converter is extracted and removed from the system. The voltage adjustment capability previously provided by the DC/DC converter is now achieved through the control circuitry's ability to regulate the AC/DC converter output, eliminating the need for additional PCB space while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides voltage feedback for AC/DC converter regulation, current feedback for light source monitoring, and dynamic voltage adjustment capability. This multi-functional approach replaces the specialized DC/DC converter, reducing overall system footprint while maintaining versatility.

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

3Measurement precision

If a DC/DC converter is used for voltage regulation, then output current can be adjusted to target level, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput current regulation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The DC/DC converter is removed from the system, reducing component count and complexity. The current regulation accuracy previously achieved through the DC/DC converter is maintained through the integrated control circuitry that uses dual feedback loops to precisely control the AC/DC converter output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the voltage regulation and current control functions into a single integrated control system with dual feedback loops. This merging eliminates the need for separate DC/DC converter hardware while maintaining precise regulation accuracy, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the AC/DC converter output voltage is increased to compensate for current variations, then output current stability is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput current stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dual feedback loops: a voltage feedback loop that monitors AC/DC converter output voltage and a current feedback loop that monitors light source current. This feedback mechanism allows the control circuitry to make precise, minimal adjustments to maintain current stability without unnecessarily increasing voltage and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuitry dynamically adjusts the AC/DC converter output voltage parameter based on real-time feedback from both voltage and current sensing circuits. This parameter optimization ensures the minimum necessary voltage is applied to maintain current stability, avoiding excessive power consumption while preserving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10660176B2System and method for driving light source comprising voltage feedback circuit and current feedback circuit
Publication Date: 2020.05.19 O2 MICRO INC
  • US10660176B2 patent drawing
  • US10660176B2 patent drawing
  • US10660176B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for driving a light source includes a power converter and control circuitry coupled to the power converter. The power converter converts input power to an output voltage to power the light source. The control circuitry senses the output voltage and senses current of the light source. The control circuitry generates a control signal based on a voltage feedback signal indicative of a combination of said output voltage and said current of said light source, and controls the power converter by the control signal to adjust the output voltage.