Matrix Light Source Sequential Row Activation for EMI Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Matrix light sources in automotive vehicles experience high electric current peaks when all elementary light sources are activated simultaneously, leading to electromagnetic interference and degradation of nearby electronic components.

Innovation Solution

A matrix light source with an integrated circuit that sequences and delays the activation of elementary light sources in interlinked groups of rows, reducing current consumption peaks by activating rows sequentially.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If all elementary light sources are activated simultaneously, then the light source provides full illumination, but high electric current peaks occur causing electromagnetic interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The matrix array of elementary light sources is divided into multiple groups of rows. Each group is activated sequentially rather than simultaneously, segmenting the total current demand into smaller time-separated portions. This segmentation reduces the peak current magnitude while maintaining full illumination over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elementary light sources are activated in periodic sequential groups rather than all at once. The control unit activates one group of rows, waits for a predetermined period, then activates the next group. This periodic activation pattern smooths current consumption and prevents electromagnetic interference while achieving complete illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Object-generated harmful factors

If sequential activation of elementary light sources is implemented, then current peaks are reduced, but activation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple groups of rows are activated in sequence with overlapping or continuous timing. The predetermined period between groups is optimized to be short enough that the total activation time remains acceptable while still achieving current peak reduction. This partial sequential action balances current smoothing with time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

The sequential activation smooths current intensity over time, reducing electromagnetic interference and flickering risks while maintaining image quality.

Implementation Method 1

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor electronic component capable of emitting light when an electric current flows therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS20250240860A1Matrix light source for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.07.24
  • US20250240860A1 patent drawing
  • US20250240860A1 patent drawing
  • US20250240860A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a matrix light source having a plurality of elementary light sources with electroluminescent semiconductor elements, and a common substrate in contact with an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is configured to delay the illumination of the elementary sources for a pre-determined duration following receipt of an illumination command.