Optoelectronic Circuit with Shared Difference Amplifier for LED Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optoelectronic circuits with light-emitting diodes face challenges when supplied with alternating voltage, including prolonged phases of absence of light emission and high electrical consumption, complexity, and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for multiple difference amplifiers and complex switching mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An optoelectronic circuit design featuring sets of light-emitting diodes connected in series with a conduction circuit whose electrical conductance varies based on a control signal, utilizing a control circuit with a difference amplifier and current mirrors to slave the voltage to a reference voltage with varying offsets for each conduction circuit, reducing the number of components and enhancing continuous current supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If the number of light-emitting diodes is reduced to increase the duration of ON phases, then the light emission continuity is improved, but the electrical power loss in the resistor increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of ON phaseVSAvoidelectrical power loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the number of light-emitting diodes in series dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The switching device changes the configuration of diodes in series based on the instantaneous supply voltage level, allowing the circuit to adapt between having more diodes (during high voltage) or fewer diodes (during low voltage) to maintain continuous operation and reduce power losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a switching device is added to progressively increase the number of light-emitting diodes during voltage increase phase, then the light emission continuity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to requiring a difference amplifier for each group

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of ON phaseVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple difference amplifier functions into a single shared difference amplifier. Instead of having one difference amplifier per group of light-emitting diodes, the invention uses one amplifier that sequentially serves multiple groups through the switching device, dramatically reducing component count and circuit complexity while maintaining the same functional capability of progressive diode activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a configuration switch for different diode groups and as a voltage-responsive control element. The single switching device handles multiple functions: selecting which diode groups are active, responding to voltage levels, and enabling the shared difference amplifier to serve multiple purposes across different operational phases.

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

3Duration of action of stationary object

If a switching device with multiple difference amplifiers is used to control groups of light-emitting diodes, then the light emission continuity is improved, but the electrical consumption of the optoelectronic circuit increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of ON phaseVSAvoidelectrical consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple difference amplifier functions into a single shared difference amplifier that sequentially controls different groups of light-emitting diodes. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple parallel amplifiers, significantly reducing the total electrical consumption while maintaining continuous light emission through progressive group activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design reduces the duration of light emission absence phases, lowers electrical consumption, and simplifies the switching device, thereby improving reliability and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining efficient power factor and temperature protection.

Implementation Method 1

an optoelectronic circuit comprising light-emitting diodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from light-emitting diodes: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

When the voltage V ALIM is greater than the sum of the threshold voltages of the light-emitting diodes 16, the light-emitting diodes 16 turn on

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3302003B1Optoelectronic circuit comprising light-emitting diodes
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 EASII IC
  • EP3302003B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3302003B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3302003B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to an optoelectronic circuit (20) for receiving a variable voltage (VALIM) containing alternating rising and falling phases. The optoelectronic circuit comprises series-connected arrays of light-emitting diodes (Di), a node (A3) connected to each array (Di) by a conduction circuit (SWi) whose electrical conductance varies according to a control signal (Si), and a control circuit (28) connected to each conduction circuit and adapted to provide each control signal by comparing a first voltage (VSOURCE) at said node to at least one second voltage (VREF). The control circuit comprises a difference amplifier (30) and as many output stages as there are conduction circuits, the control circuit being adapted to lock the first voltage to the second voltage offset by a third voltage, different for each output stage.