Series-Connected LED Light Source for High-Frequency Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensor systems face challenges in efficiently modulating light sources at high frequencies while maintaining cost-effectiveness and small package size, which is crucial for accurate imaging and distance calculation in optical sensor systems.
Innovation Solution
A light source circuit is designed with a power supply providing regulated DC voltage, a current source, switches, and a high voltage supply circuit to modulate series connected LEDs at a predetermined frequency, such as 40MHz, using a drive circuit to control the switches and ensure efficient current delivery through the LEDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high frequency modulation (e.g., 40MHz) is applied to the light source, then the imaging accuracy and distance calculation precision are improved, but the system complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple series-connected LEDs rather than using a single LED or non-segmented light source. This segmentation allows the use of simpler individual LED components that can be easily modulated at high frequencies, while collectively providing the required light output for accurate imaging and distance measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic switching of the series-connected LEDs using simple on/off control at the desired modulation frequency (e.g., 40MHz). This periodic action achieves high-frequency modulation without requiring complex continuous modulation circuits, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple
2Measurement precision
If high frequency modulation is applied to the light source, then the imaging accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple series-connected LEDs rather than using a single LED or non-segmented light source. This segmentation allows the use of simpler individual LED components that can be easily modulated at high frequencies, while collectively providing the required light output for accurate imaging and distance measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple inexpensive LED components connected in series, replacing what would otherwise require a single expensive high-performance LED or complex light source assembly. The individual LEDs are standard, low-cost components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed
3Measurement precision
If high frequency modulation is applied to the light source, then the imaging accuracy is improved, but the package size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LED components are connected in series and electrically combined into a single light source unit, eliminating the need for separate driving circuits for each LED. This merging approach reduces the overall package size while maintaining the ability to modulate at high frequencies for accurate imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is divided into multiple series-connected LEDs rather than using a single LED or non-segmented light source. This segmentation allows the use of simpler individual LED components that can be easily modulated at high frequencies, while collectively providing the required light output for accurate imaging and distance measurement
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 configuration allows for efficient and reliable modulation of LEDs at high frequencies, overcoming parasitic inductance and achieving fast rise times, thus enabling accurate distance calculation and imaging in optical sensor systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), configured to transmit modulated infrared light (IR)
Implementation Method 2
The detector may receive the reflected light and calculate the phase shift imparted by reflection of the light back to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor system having a light source comprising a plurality of series connected light emitting diodes (LEDs). The series connected LEDs may be switched at a predetermined frequency.