PFC Driver Supply Voltage Synchronization for Lower SMPS Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driver arrangements with power factor correction circuitry suffer from high material and space requirements due to double-stage converting circuitry, and switched-mode power supplies experience significant power loss and inefficiency due to out-of-phase supply and offset signals, especially when powering LED loads with varying forward voltages.

Innovation Solution

A driver arrangement with an adjustment circuit that synchronizes the supply voltage with the offset signal produced by the switched-mode power supply, reducing power loss by adjusting the voltage in phase and amplitude to match the offset signal, using a switch arrangement and inverting circuit to control the supply voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate integrated circuits are used for different driver functions, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and component count increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple driver functions (first driver for first sub-pixels, second driver for second sub-pixels, compensation circuitry, and power factor correction circuitry) into a single integrated circuit device. This integration reduces the total number of separate components while maintaining all necessary functional capabilities, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If conventional resistive voltage divider circuitry is used for power factor correction, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but reactive power consumption increases and voltage control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit simplicityVSAvoidreactive power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional resistive voltage divider circuit with a switched capacitor circuit that uses capacitive reactance instead of resistive elements. By changing the fundamental parameter from resistance to capacitance and using switching mechanisms, the circuit achieves power factor correction with minimal reactive power consumption while maintaining precise voltage control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If switched capacitor circuitry is used for voltage division, then voltage control precision is improved and reactive power consumption is reduced, but circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage control precisionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switched capacitor circuit performs multiple functions within a single integrated structure: it provides precise voltage division, implements power factor correction, and controls gate voltages for the OLED sub-pixels. By making the circuit multi-functional, the patent achieves high voltage control precision and reduced reactive power consumption without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the same circuit elements serve multiple purposes.

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 synchronization of supply voltage with the offset signal significantly reduces power loss in the switched-mode power supply, enhancing efficiency and ensuring consistent voltage demands are met across varying LED loads.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitor coupled to the second electrode and configured to maintain a voltage across the second electrode during a second sub-frame period

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

Each OLED is configured to emit light in response to application of a gate voltage to a second electrode of the OLED

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4519968B1Driver arrangement including power factor correction circuitry
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
  • EP4519968B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4519968B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4519968B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A mechanism for controlling a supply voltage for a switched-mode power supply designed for compensating an AC mains power ripple in a PFC output signal produced by a power factor converter. An adjustment circuit is used to synchronize the amplitude of the supply voltage with the amplitude of an offset signal generated by the switched-mode power supply used to compensate for the AC mains power ripple in the PFC output signal. Said synchronizing regulates the difference between the voltage amplitude of the adjusted supply voltage and the voltage amplitude of the offset signal, thereby controlling the power loss of the switched-mode power supply.