Precision Supply Circuit for Wide-Range LED Pulse Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED lighting systems for machine vision applications struggle with precise control of wide-ranging currents and voltages, leading to inefficiencies, heat waste, and unsuitable illumination timing for dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A precision supply circuit with a precision current controller and programmable voltage source capable of operating over a wide range, providing precise current and voltage control with fast rise and fall times, and incorporating feedback mechanisms to prevent overdriving loads and controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional LED lighting systems are used for machine vision applications, then basic illumination is provided, but precise control of wide-ranging currents and voltages is lost leading to inefficiencies and heat waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by sensing voltage across the load through differential inputs and using operational amplifiers to compare sensed values with reference values. This closed-loop feedback enables precise control of current and voltage while minimizing energy waste through accurate regulation, directly resolving the contradiction between control precision and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs programmable voltage sources and current controllers that can dynamically adjust operating parameters over wide ranges. By programmatically changing voltage and current parameters based on application requirements, the system achieves both wide-ranging control capability and energy efficiency, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy loss.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional LED lighting systems operate without precise timing control, then continuous illumination is provided, but illumination timing is unsuitable for dynamic environments requiring synchronization with image acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pulsed illumination controlled by timing circuits that synchronize LED activation with image acquisition cycles. The system uses programmable pulse width modulation and synchronized timing signals to provide illumination only during required intervals, achieving both precise timing control and improved system productivity through eliminated synchronization delays.
3Illumination intensity
If LED lighting systems operate at high currents and voltages without protection, then maximum illumination intensity is achieved, but overdriving causes damage to loads and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protection circuits including current limiting, voltage clamping, and thermal management mechanisms that activate before damage occurs. These preemptive protection features allow the system to operate at high illumination intensities while preventing overdriving conditions, thus maintaining both brightness intensity and system reliability simultaneously.
4Measurement precision
If precision control circuits are implemented for wide-ranging currents and voltages, then precise current and voltage control is achieved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal control architecture where programmable voltage sources and current controllers can operate across wide parameter ranges for different load types. The feedback circuits and protection mechanisms serve multiple functions simultaneously (regulation, monitoring, and protection), reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining high control precision through multi-functional integrated circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
A wide current-and-voltage-range, precision supply circuit to conduct current (pulsed or continuous) having precisely-controlled current levels through a load is described. The supply circuit includes selectable current-sensing resistors in a feedback loop that controls current output to accommodate a wide range of currents provided to the load. The circuit can include a programmable output voltage that is applied to the load. The circuit can provide sensed voltage information from a single sensing node in the supply circuit to enable protection of the load and of power transistor(s) that conduct current through the load.