Tunable Multi-LED Emitter Module for Color Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in mass-producing LED-based lamps for general illumination lies in achieving consistent color temperature, as existing methods require multiple color bins or expensive color mixing, which are not reliable or efficient.
Innovation Solution
A tunable multi-LED emitter module with independently addressable groups of LEDs, where the color temperature is adjusted by varying the input current to each group, with pre-tested LEDs and stored current information in a memory device allowing for precise control of light color output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If white LEDs are binned according to color temperature, then color consistency can be achieved, but the yield in any particular bin is relatively low and requires a large number of bins
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the LED population into multiple groups with different color temperatures (e.g., warm white, cool white, daylight) and combines them in a single module. Each group can be independently controlled to achieve desired overall color temperature, eliminating the need for strict binning of individual LEDs and improving yield.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables dynamic adjustment of color temperature by varying the drive current to each LED group independently. This allows the module to adapt its color output in real-time, providing both consistency and flexibility without requiring precise pre-binning of all LEDs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different colors of light are mixed to produce desired temperature, then color temperature can be controlled, but the approach is expensive and not reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The module segments LEDs into distinct groups that emit different color temperatures. By controlling the intensity of each group separately, the system can reliably mix colors to achieve desired temperature without requiring complex external mixing optics or unstable phosphor conversions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes a single LED module capable of producing multiple color temperatures by incorporating diverse LED types (warm white, cool white, daylight) within the same package. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate modules for different color temperatures and provides reliable, consistent output.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple bins are used for color temperature selection, then color consistency is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple LED groups with different color temperatures into a single integrated module. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate bins or modules for each color temperature, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise color control through independent current regulation of each group.
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 solution allows for stable color temperature over time without active feedback components, enabling efficient use of LED dies and adaptable lighting for various applications by tuning the light color during manufacturing or factory testing.
Implementation Method 1
two or more groups of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), each group having one or more LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
A method for making a light-emitting diode (LED) emitter module includes providing a substrate and providing two or more groups of LED dies disposed on the substrate. Each group has one or more LED dies, and each of the LED dies is coupled to an electrical contact and electrical paths are configured for feeding separate electrical currents to the groups of LED dies. The method also includes determining information associating a plurality output light colors with a corresponding plurality of combinations of electrical currents, each combination specifying a plurality of electrical current values, each electrical current value being associated with an LED die from one of the two or more groups of LED dies. The method also includes storing the information in the memory device, and providing a circuit for accessing the information in a memory device.