Piecewise Linear Exponential Dimming Engine for Automotive LED Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting control systems require high complexity and resource-intensive circuitry to achieve variable illumination, which can strain microcontroller resources and limit availability for other automotive applications.
Innovation Solution
A light dimming module with a dimming engine that generates a piecewise linear exponential digital control signal, allowing for non-linear dimming of light sources, reducing resource demands by using a digital interface and pulse modulator to control LED intensity efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If microcontroller-based control is used to generate independent pulse modulated signals for multiple lights, then variable illumination control is achieved, but microcontroller resources (timers, interrupt lines, I/O pins) are heavily consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dimming control function from the microcontroller and implements it in dedicated hardware circuitry. Each light channel has its own dimming circuit that generates pulse modulated signals independently, freeing microcontroller resources while maintaining independent control capability for multiple lights
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the control function by providing independent dimming circuits for each light channel. Each channel can be controlled separately with its own intensity settings, allowing versatile illumination control without requiring centralized microcontroller management of all channels
2Ease of operation
If software-based dimming profiles are implemented to track and control multiple lights, then smooth transitions are achieved, but CPU resources are heavily consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dimming profile generation function from software and implements it in hardware circuits. Analog dimming control circuits generate smooth transition waveforms directly in hardware, eliminating the need for CPU-based software control and freeing processor resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces software-based control with hardware-based analog circuitry. The dimming control is achieved through analog voltage control and pulse modulation circuits rather than software algorithms, providing smooth transitions through continuous analog signals
3Measurement precision
If precise analog components are used to achieve variable illumination, then control precision is improved, but circuit board area and number of electronic components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal digital-to-analog conversion and pulse modulation circuits that can control multiple light channels. The same core circuitry is reused across different channels, reducing the overall component count and board area while maintaining precise control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple control functions into integrated circuits. The dimming control, pulse modulation, and signal generation are merged into unified circuit blocks, reducing the number of discrete components and minimizing circuit board area requirements
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a light dimming module is disclosed. The light dimming module has a dimming engine coupled to a digital input interface and an output interface. The dimming engine is configured to provide a N-segment piecewise linear exponential digital control signal, and the output interface is configured to control the intensity of a light source.