Semiconductor Light Source Lighting Circuit Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor light source lighting circuits face inefficiencies when dealing with a wide range of light emission voltages, particularly when the sum of forward drop voltages of LEDs exceeds the battery voltage, leading to increased manufacturing costs and reduced electrical efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor light source lighting circuit that includes a DC/DC converter generating a boost voltage and a control circuit to switch the voltage applied to the cathode of the LED between the battery voltage and ground potential based on the light emission voltage, allowing the same circuit to be used across various voltage conditions, thereby improving efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a step-up/step-down DC/DC converter is used to cope with forward drop voltage over a wide range, then the lighting circuit can be used for various LED configurations, but the electrical efficiency deteriorates when the sum of forward drop voltages exceeds the battery voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two different voltage application modes based on real-time voltage comparison. The control circuit continuously monitors the relationship between battery voltage and LED forward drop voltage, and dynamically selects whether to apply battery voltage or ground potential to the LED cathode, optimizing electrical efficiency for each operating condition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the lighting circuit by switching between two distinct voltage application states. When LED forward drop voltage exceeds battery voltage, the circuit applies ground potential to the cathode instead of battery voltage, fundamentally changing the voltage differential across the LED to achieve efficient operation
2Loss of energy
If dedicated lighting circuits are designed for each voltage configuration, then the electrical efficiency is optimized for specific cases, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal lighting circuit that can handle multiple LED voltage configurations through a single design. The control circuit universally applies the same decision-making logic (comparing battery voltage with LED forward drop voltage) regardless of the specific LED configuration, making the circuit adaptable to various scenarios without requiring dedicated designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the voltage application control into two distinct operational modes based on voltage comparison results. The control circuit divides the operating range into two segments: one where battery voltage is applied to the cathode (when LED forward drop > battery voltage) and another where ground potential is applied (when LED forward drop < battery voltage), optimizing efficiency for each segment
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 enables high electrical efficiency and cost-effective manufacturing by allowing the same lighting circuit to operate effectively across a wide range of light emission voltages, reducing heat generation and enabling adaptive driving of LEDs regardless of voltage fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a DC/DC converter to generate a boost voltage from a battery voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting circuit for lighting a semiconductor light source includes: a DC/DC converter configured to receive a DC first voltage and a DC second voltage and generate a DC third voltage; a first connector including a first terminal, wherein the third voltage is applied to the first terminal, wherein the first connector connects the first terminal and one end of the semiconductor light source; and a control circuit that controls the DC/DC converter. The control circuit selects only the first voltage as a voltage applied to the other end of the semiconductor light source, when a voltage for emitting the semiconductor light source is less than an absolute value of a difference between the first and second voltages. The control circuit selects the first voltage or the second voltage as the voltage applied to the other end thereof, when the voltage is not less than the absolute value.