Universal Input Electronic Transformer for LED Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic transformers used in the lighting industry face limitations in size, weight, and technological characteristics, particularly when dealing with varying AC line frequencies and the need for voltage regulation in LED power supply applications.
Innovation Solution
An electronic transformer with a controller and dimming control circuit that receives user-inputs to output control signals, allowing the transformer to maintain a consistent output voltage regardless of the input voltage amplitude, utilizing a combination of rectifiers, inverters, and output transformers to achieve this functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If electromagnetic transformers are used for voltage transformation in AC distribution systems, then voltage transformation and isolation functions are achieved, but the device suffers from severe limitations in size, weight, and technological characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional electromagnetic transformer (mechanical/electromagnetic system operating at line frequency) with an electronic transformer using high-frequency switching components including rectifiers, inverters, and high-frequency transformers. This substitution enables significant reduction in size and weight while maintaining voltage transformation functionality through electronic control mechanisms rather than electromagnetic induction at low frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from standard AC line frequency (50/60 Hz) to high frequency (20 kHz or higher). This parameter change allows the transformer to achieve the same voltage transformation ratio with much smaller core and winding dimensions, directly addressing the size and weight limitations of traditional electromagnetic transformers
2Reliability
If electromagnetic transformers are used, then voltage transformation is achieved, but the output voltage varies with input voltage amplitude and requires additional regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback control mechanisms where the controller monitors the output voltage and adjusts the switching duty cycle of the inverter stage accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the output voltage remains stable and consistent regardless of variations in input voltage amplitude, eliminating the need for separate voltage regulation stages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching control where the controller adjusts the on/off timing (duty cycle) of the high-frequency switching components in real-time based on load conditions and input voltage variations. This dynamic adjustment maintains consistent output voltage without requiring complex additional regulation circuitry
3Volume of moving object
If traditional electronic transformers are used, then size reduction is achieved, but 120 Hz ripple appears in the output voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-frequency periodic switching action (at 20 kHz or higher) in the inverter stage, which is significantly higher than the problematic 120 Hz ripple frequency. This high-frequency periodic operation, combined with output filtering, effectively eliminates the low-frequency ripple while maintaining the compact size benefits of electronic transformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the switching frequency parameter to a value significantly higher than the input frequency (20 kHz vs. 50/60 Hz). This parameter change shifts the output ripple to a high frequency that is easily filtered, eliminating the problematic 120 Hz ripple while maintaining compact dimensions
4Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic transformers are used, then power transformation is achieved, but the device does not support dimming control and user input regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single electronic transformer device including voltage transformation, dimming control, and user input regulation. The controller receives user inputs (such as PWM signals or potentiometer inputs) and adjusts the switching duty cycle accordingly, enabling dimming control without requiring separate external dimming circuits or additional complex control stages
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 provides a universal input electronic transformer that outputs a consistent voltage across a range of input voltages, improving efficiency and reducing size and weight constraints, while eliminating 120 Hz ripple in the output, thus enhancing performance in LED power supply applications.
Implementation Method 1
electronic transformer including a controller and a dimming control circuit. The controller is configured to control an output voltage
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a combination of rectifiers, inverters, and output transformers
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a combination of rectifiers, inverters, and output transformers to achieve this functionality
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic transformer including a controller and a dimming control circuit. The controller is configured to control an output voltage. The dimming control circuit is configured to receive a user-input and output a control signal based on the user-input. The controller varies the output voltage based on the control signal. Wherein the output voltage is substantially the same regardless of an amplitude of an input voltage.