Tunable Light Engine PWM Channel Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LED-based illumination systems lack the ability to independently control color and brightness, limiting their tunability and adaptability to various lighting applications.
Innovation Solution
A tunable illumination system that splits a single channel output into three pulse-width modulated (PWM) channels using current steering and/or time division and multiplexing techniques, allowing for independent adjustment of duty cycles based on control signals to change the color and brightness of light emitted by LEDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional LED illumination systems are used, then energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to independently control color and brightness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single LED channel into three independent PWM channels (first, second, and third PWM signals), each controlling different aspects of light output. This segmentation allows independent control of color and brightness while maintaining LED energy efficiency, directly resolving the technical contradiction.
2Device complexity
If a single channel LED system is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but tunability and adaptability to various lighting applications are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single channel is segmented into three PWM channels with different duty cycles, enabling tunable light output across different color temperatures and brightness levels while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the duty cycles of the three PWM channels based on control signals, allowing real-time tuning of color and brightness without requiring complex mechanical or optical switching mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PWM channel splitting is implemented, then independent control of color and brightness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into three signal generators that independently produce PWM signals based on a single control signal, distributing the control complexity across multiple simple, identical modules rather than one complex controller.
Solution Approach 2:
Each signal generator is a universal module that can produce PWM signals with different duty cycles from the same control input, allowing the system to achieve multiple functions (color control, brightness control) using identical circuitry.
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
Enables precise control over color and brightness of LEDs, allowing for tunable white light output that can change color without affecting total brightness, enhancing the adaptability and quality of LED-based lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first light emitting diode (LED) that is powered using the first PWM signal, the first LED being configured to emit a first type of light; a second LED that is powered using the second PWM signal, the second LED having a second CCT, the second LED being configured to emit a second type of light, and a third LED that is powered using the third PWM signal, the third LED being configured to emit a third type of light
Data Source
AI summary
A tunable illumination system is disclosed which splits a single channel output into three by means of current steering and/or time division and multiplexing techniques. More particularly, the tunable light system may split the input current into three pulse-width modulated (PWM) channels. The individual duty cycles of the PWM channels may be adjusted based on a control signal that is received via a control signal interface. The control signal interface may include a switch and/or other circuity that is manipulated by the user when the user wants to change the color of light that is output by the illumination system.