Modular LED Driver and Light Engine Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED-based lighting systems lack flexibility and modularity, particularly in combining LED drivers with different LED assemblies and achieving specific visual effects, due to the strong linkage between LED drivers and assemblies, which limits their ability to address multiple LED groups and influence desired illumination characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising an LED driver and a light engine, where the LED driver includes a switched mode power converter and control units to manage current amplitude and duty cycle, and the light engine has switches and control units to control LED current, allowing synchronization of switching operations to generate desired illumination characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If LED driver and LED assembly are strongly linked, then the system is simpler to manufacture, but the flexibility and modularity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: an LED driver module and an LED assembly module. The LED driver includes a power converter and control unit, while the LED assembly includes LED elements and switching elements. These modules can be manufactured independently and then connected via controllable connections, enabling both manufacturing simplicity and system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED driver and LED assembly are designed as universal modules that can work together in multiple configurations. The controllable connections allow the same modules to be reconfigured for different lighting scenarios, supporting multiple LED groups and various illumination characteristics without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
2Measurement precision
If LED driver is designed for specific LED assembly, then the control precision is improved, but the adaptability to different LED assemblies is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connections between the LED driver and LED assembly are made dynamically controllable rather than fixed. Switching elements can be controlled to connect or disconnect different LED groups based on operational requirements, allowing the system to adapt its configuration while maintaining precise control over the selected LED groups through the control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing operational parameters such as which LED groups are active, their connection configuration (series/parallel), and illumination characteristics. The control unit adjusts these parameters dynamically based on the desired lighting scenario, enabling the same hardware to provide precise control for different configurations.
3Illumination intensity
If duty cycle dimming is used to adjust LED intensity, then the intensity control is achieved, but the visibility of flicker increases at lower frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses high-frequency periodic switching of the LED groups through the switching elements, operating at frequencies above the human visual perception threshold. This periodic action at appropriate frequencies enables intensity control through duty cycle modulation while avoiding visible flicker, as the rapid switching is imperceptible to the human eye.
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 modular system enhances flexibility and modularity by enabling precise control of LED current and switching operations, allowing for adjustable illumination characteristics and improved compatibility with various LED assemblies, thereby facilitating the creation of complex lighting effects.
Implementation Method 1
a switched mode power converter configured to output a supply current
Implementation Method 2
an LED assembly configured to receive the supply current, the LED assembly comprising a plurality of LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
A modular system comprising a first component comprising an LED driver and is second component comprising a light engine is described. —the LED driver comprising: a switched mode power converter configured to output a supply current; a first control unit configured to control a switch of the switched mode power converter, thereby controlling the supply current; —the light engine comprising: an LED assembly configured to receive the supply current, the LED) assembly comprising a plurality of LEDs and one or more switches arranged in series or in parallel, with one or more LEDs of the plurality of LEDs, and a second control unit configured to control the one or more switches of the LED assembly, thereby controlling an LED current through the plurality of LEDs; wherein the first control unit is configured to control an amplitude of the supply current, the second control unit is configured to control a duty cycle of the LED current through the plurality of LEDs and wherein the first and second control unit are configured to synchronize to switching operation of the switch of the switched mode power converter with a switching operation of the one or more switches of the light engine.