Multi-Output Dimmable Class-2 Power Supply With Segmented Overcurrent Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED drivers that provide higher power levels, such as 200 W or 300 W, do not meet the CLASS-2 standard requirements set by American standards, which mandate that the output current should not exceed 5 A and the output power should not exceed 100 W.

Innovation Solution

A multi-output dimmable CLASS-2 power supply is designed with a switching mode power supply circuit, a dimming control signal to PWM signal transforming circuit, and an overcurrent protection control circuit, which includes a MOS transistor and a resistor, to control the current and power of each output within the specified limits, allowing for flexible output configuration and high power delivery while adhering to the CLASS-2 standard.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If existing LED drivers are designed to reach higher power (200W, 300W or even higher), then the output power capability is improved, but the compliance with American CLASS-2 standard deteriorates because the output current exceeds 5A and output power exceeds 100W

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput powerVSAvoidCLASS-2 standard compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply is divided into multiple independent output channels, each with its own current limiting circuit. Each output channel is independently controlled to maintain current below 5A and power below 100W, allowing the overall system to deliver high power while maintaining CLASS-2 compliance on each individual output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the output current is limited to 5A and output power to 100W to meet CLASS-2 standard, then the standard compliance is improved, but the overall power capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCLASS-2 standard complianceVSAvoidoverall output power
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple output channels, each compliant with CLASS-2 standards (5A, 100W), are combined in parallel to achieve high overall power output. The system merges several standardized outputs to satisfy both the per-output compliance requirement and the high total power demand of applications requiring 200W, 300W or higher.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent overcurrent protection control circuits are provided for multi-output configuration, then the adaptability and flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput configuration flexibilityVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The overcurrent protection control circuit is designed as a universal module that can be replicated and configured for any number of outputs. Each module performs the same current limiting and protection functions, allowing flexible configuration (1 output, 2 outputs, or n outputs) without requiring different circuit designs, thus managing complexity through standardization.

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

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 solution effectively limits each output's current to 5 A and power to 100 W, enabling the power supply to meet the CLASS-2 standard while allowing for increased or decreased outputs to achieve higher overall output power, thus addressing the limitations of existing LED drivers.

Implementation Method 1

switching mode power supply circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

switching mode power supply circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwitching operation:

Implementation Method 3

dimming control signal to PWM signal transforming circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPWM modulation:

Implementation Method 4

MOS transistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField effect transistor operation:

Data Source

PatentUS10609799B2Multi-output dimmable class-2 power supply in accord with american standard
Publication Date: 2020.03.31 ZHUHAI SHENGCHANG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10609799B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-output dimmable CLASS-2 power supply in accord with American standard connected to a dimming control signal includes a switching mode power supply circuit, a dimming control signal to PWM signal transforming circuit, and an overcurrent protection control circuit. The overcurrent protection control circuit includes an overcurrent protection circuit, a MOS transistor, and a resistor. If the multi-output dimmable power supply is required to have n outputs, the multi-output dimmable power supply in accord with American standard CLASS-2 includes n overcurrent protection control circuits, the dimming control signal to PWM signal transforming circuit (12) includes n output ends, and the n overcurrent protection control circuits include n overcurrent protection circuits, n MOS transistors, and n resistors, and the n overcurrent protection control circuits have an identical circuit connection.