Multichannel LED Driver Dynamic Overload Limitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two- or multi-channel LED systems face challenges in achieving precise color temperature and brightness dimming without exceeding power limits, leading to system shutdowns and limited performance perception.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic overload limitation mechanism that allows for separate control of LED channels, where the 'master channel' can operate at maximum power while limiting the second channel's power based on the first channel's load, and recalibrating currents to maintain desired color coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate control of both drive currents is implemented to achieve user-desired color temperature and intensity, then color temperature dimming capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional controller components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the controller, memory, data bus, and sensor interface into an integrated driver circuit that controls multiple LED groups with different color temperatures. This integration allows separate control of drive currents for each LED group while maintaining a unified control architecture, resolving the contradiction between enhanced adaptability and increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle various LED groups with different color temperatures through a single integrated controller. The circuit can generate multiple drive currents, store calibration data in memory, process sensor feedback, and control PWM signals all within one universal driver structure, eliminating the need for separate control units for each LED group.
2Illumination intensity
If drive currents are increased to achieve maximum intensity output, then brightness is improved, but system reliability deteriorates due to risk of exceeding maximum power and causing shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensor interfaces monitor the actual power consumption and light output of each LED group. This feedback is processed by the controller to dynamically adjust drive currents, ensuring that maximum power limits are not exceeded while maintaining optimal brightness. The feedback loop prevents system shutdown by detecting and correcting potential overload conditions before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver circuit dynamically adjusts drive current levels based on real-time operating conditions, LED aging characteristics, and thermal states. Rather than using fixed current limits, the system adapts current levels to maintain reliability while maximizing brightness output under varying conditions, resolving the contradiction between intensity and stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If maximum power is allocated to one channel to achieve desired color coordinates, then color accuracy is improved, but the other channel's power is limited reducing overall system versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a master-channel concept where one LED group is designated as the master channel that receives priority power allocation to ensure accurate color coordinates. The secondary channel operates with reduced power, but the system maintains versatility by allowing dynamic reconfiguration of master/channel roles and adjusting power distribution based on operational requirements, balancing color accuracy with system flexibility.
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
Enables safe and efficient dimming without system shutdown, allowing for operation near maximum power while maintaining desired color and brightness levels, preventing damage and ensuring system safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first group of LED elements (16A) arranged on a first chip (7A) and a second group of LED elements (16B) arranged on a second chip (7B)
Implementation Method 2
The first drive current (I_K) causes a first group of LED chips to light up with a first color temperature and brightness (intensity)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a multichannel LED system comprising a driver unit (8), (9A), (9B) designed for supplying at least two LED output channels (16A), (16B) independently of one another with a voltage (U_K1),(U_K2) or current (I_K1),(I_K2) controlled to a setpoint value, wherein the driver unit (8), (9A), (9B) is furthermore designed to limit the maximum power of each LED output channel (16A), (16B), firstly, and the total power of all the LED output channels (16A), (16B), secondly, to predefined values, and wherein the driver unit (8), (9A), (9B) is configured to reduce the setpoint value of an LED output channel (16B) if the power (P_K2) thereof is greater than the maximum permissible total power (P_System) minus the power of the further LED output channel(s) (P_K1).