Pixelated Light Source Power Control via Dynamic Voltage Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for controlling the electrical power supply and thermal management of pixelated light sources, such as LEDs and OLEDs in motor vehicles, face challenges due to the dependence of light intensity on current and temperature, leading to inefficient thermal management when using fixed output voltage DC/DC converters.
Innovation Solution
A device with a microcontroller-generated control signal, using pulse width modulation and feedback control, dynamically adjusts the electrical load voltage based on parameters like junction temperature, incorporating a thermistor for temperature indication and a voltage divider for precise voltage control, ensuring effective thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed output voltage DC/DC converter is used to power pixelated light sources, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but thermal management becomes problematic and luminosity consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where a microcontroller reads the junction temperature via a thermistor and dynamically adjusts the DC/DC converter's output voltage through PWM signal modulation. This closed-loop feedback system allows the converter to adapt its output based on real-time temperature conditions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and thermal management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static fixed output voltage converter into a dynamic system by introducing PWM-controlled voltage adjustment. The converter's output voltage varies dynamically based on temperature feedback, enabling adaptive thermal management while maintaining a relatively simple hardware architecture.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed output voltage DC/DC converter is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but luminosity consistency across varying temperatures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller continuously monitors junction temperature through the thermistor and adjusts the converter output voltage accordingly to maintain consistent LED current and luminosity across varying temperature conditions, all while using cost-effective standard components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter (output voltage) of the DC/DC converter dynamically based on temperature conditions. By adjusting the voltage parameter in response to temperature variations, the system maintains consistent LED performance without requiring expensive specialized converters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of elementary light sources is increased to create pixelated arrays, then lighting functionality and beam shaping capability are improved, but heat generation increases and thermal management becomes more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system monitors the junction temperature of the entire pixelated array and adjusts the overall output voltage to prevent thermal accumulation. This allows high-density LED arrays to operate at full functionality while maintaining safe operating temperatures through dynamic voltage regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the power delivery to the pixelated array based on real-time temperature conditions, enabling versatile lighting functions while actively managing heat generation through adaptive voltage control.
4Temperature
If dynamic voltage control is implemented to improve thermal management, then temperature control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a straightforward feedback loop with a microcontroller, PWM generator, and voltage divider that adds minimal complexity while achieving effective thermal management. The control circuit monitors temperature and adjusts voltage in a simple closed-loop manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a PWM signal as an intermediary control mechanism between the microcontroller and the DC/DC converter. This PWM intermediary allows precise voltage control through duty cycle modulation without requiring complex analog control circuits, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 solution allows for precise and dynamic control of the output voltage level, adapting to the requirements of pixelated light sources, thereby enhancing thermal management and luminosity consistency across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a converter intended to convert an electrical input voltage into an electrical load voltage to be supplied to the pixelated light source
Implementation Method 2
The indication of the junction temperature of the pixelated light source can preferably be obtained by reading the voltage drop across the terminals of a thermistor component, placed close to the pixelated light source, the resistance of which depends on its temperature
Implementation Method 3
Une light emitting diode, LED, is an electronic component capable of emitting light when an electric current passes through it
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling the electrical power supply of a pixelated light source comprises a converter having a feedback control loop and a microcontroller element. The microcontroller element is arranged to act on the controlled value in a precise manner as a function of at least one parameter of the pixelated light source powered by the converter.