Parallel Switch Overvoltage Detection Circuit for LED Matrix
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
LED lighting systems face damage from excessive current flow due to overvoltage conditions, which can limit the longevity of control devices in LED matrix applications.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a parallel configuration of switches across LEDs, where a logic circuit detects overvoltage conditions and redistributes current among multiple switches, reducing the current through any single switch and mitigating damage by using pulse width modulation to drive the switches with a divided current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single switch is used to control LED current, then the control circuit is simple, but the switch is damaged by excessive current during overvoltage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the current control function into multiple parallel switches instead of using a single switch. Each switch handles a portion of the total current, segmenting the current path to reduce the current burden on any individual switch and prevent damage during overvoltage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple switches in parallel to share the current load. By merging multiple switching elements working simultaneously, the system achieves both current distribution for protection and coordinated control through a unified control signal.
2Reliability
If multiple switches are used in parallel to share current, then switch longevity is improved, but the control circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed to use a single PWM control signal that simultaneously controls multiple parallel switches. This universal control approach allows one control signal to perform the function of coordinating multiple switches, reducing the need for separate control circuits for each switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a current distribution mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the control signal and multiple switches. This intermediary component automatically divides and distributes the control current among parallel switches, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining reliable current sharing.
3Power
If high current flows through a single control switch, then the LED matrix can be driven with high power, but the control switch is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high current path into multiple parallel branches, each handled by a separate switch. This segmentation allows the system to deliver high total power to the LED matrix while distributing the current load across multiple switches, preventing any single switch from experiencing damaging current levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful high current that would damage a single switch into a beneficial distributed current load across multiple switches. By redesigning the current path to utilize multiple parallel switches, the harmful concentrated current is transformed into a safe distributed current pattern that protects individual components while maintaining high power output capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting diode system allows for high current end user LED matrix applications while mitigating internal damage to control circuitry that may be caused by excess current flow. In one example, multiple switches operate in parallel across an LED. When an overvoltage condition is detected in a first switch, a logic circuit determines those switches programmed to operate in parallel and causes them to conduct current. This reduces the amount of current flowing through any one switch and mitigates harm to the device. The parallel configuration of switches may be driven by a single pulse width modulated current. This allows the drive current to be divided between parallel transistors, limiting the damaging effects that can be caused by high currents flowing through the transistors.