SiC Non-Isolated LED Driver Circuitry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LED driver circuitry for solid-state lighting fixtures suffers from low efficiency due to the use of silicon switching components, which limits the voltage range and power handling capability, resulting in increased power consumption, heat production, and the need for separate designs for different regions, leading to higher costs and bulkier fixtures.

Innovation Solution

The use of silicon carbide (SiC) switching components in a non-isolated direct current (DC) path within the driver circuitry, combined with rectifier, power factor correction (PFC), and DC-DC converter circuitry, allows for efficient operation over a wide input voltage range without the need for isolation, reducing complexity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If silicon switching components are used in conventional driver circuitry, then the circuit can operate with standard materials, but efficiency is low and power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the switching components from silicon to silicon carbide (SiC). This material substitution fundamentally alters the electrical and thermal characteristics of the circuit, enabling operation with higher efficiency and lower power losses while maintaining compatibility with standard circuit architectures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If silicon switching components are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but voltage range and power handling capability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage rangeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from silicon to silicon carbide, which inherently supports wider voltage ranges and higher power handling capabilities. The SiC material properties allow the circuit to operate efficiently across broader voltage conditions without requiring separate designs for different regions or applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional driver circuitry is used, then design is simpler, but heat production is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat productionVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter to silicon carbide, which has superior thermal characteristics compared to silicon. This material change reduces power losses and heat generation at the switching components, allowing the circuit to maintain lower operating temperatures without requiring complex thermal management systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional driver circuitry is used, then cost is lower for standard designs, but separate designs are needed for different regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregional adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal driver circuit design using silicon carbide switching components that can operate across wide voltage ranges and in different geographic regions without requiring separate designs. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for region-specific variants while maintaining cost-effectiveness through standardized manufacturing processes.

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

This configuration achieves efficiency greater than 90% over a wide input voltage range, reduces power consumption and heat production, and enables compact, cost-effective LED driver circuitry capable of delivering constant output current.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSilicon carbide switching:

Implementation Method 2

The rectifier circuitry is a bridge rectifier including a first rectifier input node, a second rectifier input node, a rectifier output node, a first rectifier diode, a second rectifier diode, a third rectifier diode, and a fourth rectifier diode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 3

The PFC circuitry is a boost converter including a boost input node, a boost output node, a boost inductor, a boost switch, a boost diode, and a boost capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower factor correction:

Implementation Method 4

The DC-DC converter circuitry is a flyback converter including a flyback input node, a flyback output node, a flyback transformer, a flyback switch, a flyback diode, and a flyback capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDC-DC conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS9844107B2High efficiency driver circuitry for a solid state lighting fixture

Publication Date: 2017.12.12 LED-IP MANAGEMENT LLC

AI summary

Driver circuitry is coupled between a power supply and at least one LED in a solid-state lighting fixture, such that a non-isolated direct current (DC) path exists between the power supply and the at least one LED. The driver circuitry is configured to receive an AC input voltage and generate a driver output current for driving the at least one LED from the AC input voltage. By using driver circuitry that is non-isolated from the at least one LED in the solid-state lighting fixture, the efficiency of the driver circuitry may be increased, while simultaneously reducing the cost and complexity of the driver circuitry compared to conventional driver circuitry.