Semiconductor Light Source Circuit Bypass Resistor Power Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor light source lighting circuits experience significant power loss in transistors due to high input voltages, exceeding the transistor's threshold power loss, which can lead to inefficiency and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a bypass resistor in series with the transistor and a current detection resistor, along with a control circuit that adjusts the transistor's operation to minimize power loss by providing a bypass path for the current, allowing the circuit to operate within ranges where power loss is reduced.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a transistor is used to control current flowing to the LED, then the LED brightness can be controlled, but the power loss in the transistor increases with higher input voltages

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED brightness controlVSAvoidpower loss in transistor
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The current control function is divided between two components: the transistor handles low-voltage precision control (0-5V range) while the PWM controller handles high-voltage switching. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal voltage range, reducing overall power loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A 5V voltage conversion circuit acts as an intermediary between the high-voltage input and the transistor. It converts the high input voltage to a stable 5V supply for the transistor, enabling the transistor to control LED brightness without being directly exposed to high voltages that would cause excessive power loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If the input voltage to the lighting control circuit is increased, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the power loss in the transistor exceeds the threshold

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidtransistor power loss threshold
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two operating modes based on power requirements: PWM mode for high-power delivery and transistor control mode for low-power precision control. This dynamic operation allows the system to handle high input voltages without continuously exceeding the transistor's power loss threshold.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters of the transistor by converting the input voltage to a fixed 5V supply through the voltage conversion circuit. This parameter change isolates the transistor from high-voltage conditions, allowing it to operate reliably within its power loss threshold regardless of the input voltage level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If a bypass circuit is added to reduce transistor power loss, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransistor power lossVSAvoidcircuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage conversion circuit serves multiple functions: it converts high input voltage to 5V for the transistor, provides a stable power supply for the control circuitry, and acts as a protective barrier against voltage spikes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, minimizing overall circuit complexity.

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 solution effectively reduces power loss in the transistor, ensuring it remains below the maximum threshold even at high input voltages, enhancing efficiency and extending the transistor's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a bypass resistor RB to configure a bypass path By for the current supplied to the semiconductor light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

a transistor M1 and a current detection resistor RS provided in series in a path of current supplied to a semiconductor light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransistor operation:

Data Source

PatentEP2410820B1Semiconductor light source lighting circuit and control method
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 KOITO MFG CO LTD
  • EP2410820B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2410820B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2410820B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A semiconductor light source lighting circuit includes a transistor and a current detection resistor provided in series in a semiconductor light source current supply path, a control circuit for controlling the transistor so as to decrease any difference between the voltage occurring at the current detection resistor and a reference voltage, and a bypass resistor to establish a bypass path for the current supplied to the semiconductor light source, where a first end of the bypass path is located at a connection node between the transistor and the semiconductor light source.