Master-Slave Lighting Circuit With Optical Coupler Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems require complex and costly connections for transmitting control signals between master and slave devices, which is not feasible for simple applications.
Innovation Solution
A circuit assembly using a two-wire line bus with potential isolation allows control signal transmission from a master device to slave devices, preventing short-circuits and enabling cost-effective operation by using optical couplers for signal readout and current limiting devices to ensure safe voltage coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing bus systems or master-slave systems are used for control signal transmission, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but connection complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical coupler as an intermediary device between the master and slave devices. The optical coupler transfers control signals optically instead of electrically, eliminating direct electrical connections while maintaining signal transmission reliability. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliable communication without complex wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical connection system with an optical transmission system. By using light instead of electrical conductors for signal transmission, the system eliminates the need for complex electrical wiring and potential short-circuits, thereby reducing connection complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If direct electrical connection is used between master and slave devices, then simple connection is achieved, but short-circuit risk increases due to unpredictable voltage supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The optical coupler serves as a mediator that transfers signals without direct electrical contact. The master device sends signals through the optical coupler to the slave device, eliminating direct electrical connections and thus preventing short-circuits while maintaining connection simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electrical connection with optical transmission. By using light to carry control signals instead of electrical conductors, the system maintains ease of connection while eliminating the harmful effect of short-circuits caused by unpredictable voltage differences.
3Reliability
If optical couplers are used for galvanic separation, then short-circuit prevention is achieved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical couplers, which are relatively inexpensive optical components, to achieve galvanic separation. By using these affordable components instead of complex isolation systems, the patent prevents short-circuits while keeping manufacturing costs low, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing ease.
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 inexpensive and reliable transmission of control signals between master and slave devices, allowing multiple master-slave systems to be connected without damaging components, and optimizes power usage through PWM signal management.
Implementation Method 1
The read-out device (11) includes a potential isolating device (3), wherein the connection (5) for the at least one lighting means (7) as well as the second voltage supply (9) are provided on the side of the read-out device (11) isolated in potential from the bus (1).
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a circuit assembly for operating at least one lighting means, comprising at least one master device; at least one slave device; and a bus system having at least one bus, by means of which bus system the at least one master device and the at least one slave device are coupled; wherein the bus is designed as a two-wire cable, wherein the at least one master device has at least one feeding connection, which is coupled to the bus and is designed to place a control signal on the bus, wherein the at least one master device is coupled to a first voltage supply; wherein the at least one slave device comprises a non-feeding connection, which is coupled to the bus, wherein the slave device comprises a connection for at least one lighting means, a second voltage supply, and a read-out device for reading out the control signal on the bus, wherein the read-out device comprises a potential-isolating device and wherein the connection for the at least one lighting means and the second voltage supply are provided on the side of the read-out device isolated from the bus with regard to potential.