EP3935921B1 - Control and/or regulating means, circuit assembly, and method for actuating light-emitting diodes in a light-emitting diode field - Google Patents

Control and/or regulating means, circuit assembly, and method for actuating light-emitting diodes in a light-emitting diode field Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3935921B1
EP3935921B1 EP20705962.7A EP20705962A EP3935921B1 EP 3935921 B1 EP3935921 B1 EP 3935921B1 EP 20705962 A EP20705962 A EP 20705962A EP 3935921 B1 EP3935921 B1 EP 3935921B1
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Prior art keywords
controlling
light
impulses
regulating unit
impulse
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3935921A1 (en
Inventor
Dieter Nietfeld
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Hella GmbH and Co KGaA
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Hella GmbH and Co KGaA
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05BELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B45/00Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/10Controlling the intensity of the light
    • H05B45/14Controlling the intensity of the light using electrical feedback from LEDs or from LED modules
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05BELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B45/00Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/40Details of LED load circuits
    • H05B45/44Details of LED load circuits with an active control inside an LED matrix
    • H05B45/46Details of LED load circuits with an active control inside an LED matrix having LEDs disposed in parallel lines
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05BELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B45/00Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/30Driver circuits
    • H05B45/32Pulse-control circuits
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H05ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05BELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B45/00Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/30Driver circuits
    • H05B45/32Pulse-control circuits
    • H05B45/325Pulse-width modulation [PWM]

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a control and/or regulating means for controlling and/or regulating a light-emitting diode field, with outputs at which control and/or regulating signals for controlling and/or regulating controllable switching elements can be tapped, with switch-on times and/or switch-off times of pulses can be defined by the control signals and/or control signals and one and/or more controllable switching elements can be controlled during the determined pulses for closing or opening.
  • a circuit arrangement and a method for operating the circuit arrangement are examples of the circuit arrangement.
  • the procedure is such that the LEDs are switched on at the beginning of a clock period of the PWM clock and switched off after the switch-on period selected to achieve the desired brightness. All LEDs are switched on at the same time; each LED can be switched off at a different time, depending on the pulse width of the pulse.
  • the document DE 10 2008 0600 42 A1 discloses a method for controlling a lighting unit, in which at least one chain is formed with a predeterminable number of individual LED light sources, each of which is supplied with energy by a converter unit.
  • the switch-on times and switch-off times of the LED light sources in a chain during a PWM period are calculated in such a way that the switch-on times of the LED light sources during the PWM period are offset from one another, with a switched-off LED light source only being switched on during a PWM period when a switched-on LED light source is switched off.
  • Light-emitting diode fields are found, for example, in newly developed LED headlights with tens of thousands of light-emitting diodes within a light-emitting diode field.
  • the invention was based on the problem of improving a control and/or regulating means of the type mentioned in such a way that a desired light distribution is achieved and at the same time a reduced dynamic in the total current and peak current is achieved.
  • the control and regulation means selects the switch-on times and the switch-off times of the LEDs so that not all LEDs are switched on at the same time at the beginning of the clock period.
  • the pulse widths of which should be close to 100% it is possible to generate a more uniform power requirement.
  • the sum pulse is placed in the middle of a clock period.
  • a maximum of the power requirement which cannot always be avoided, is also shifted to the middle of a clock period.
  • the resulting waveform of the current means that the high peak currents at the beginning of a clock period, as well as steep current increases in a short time, which can lead to EMC problems, can be avoided.
  • a brightness of each light-emitting diode m j of one of the k groups can also be controlled by adjusting an amplitude of the pulse.
  • the switch-on time and/or switch-off time of the pulse can be determined for each light-emitting diode m j of a group depending on the pulse width and/or the amplitude of the pulse.
  • the determined switch-on times and/or switch-off times of the pulses lie within a predetermined clock period.
  • the number of groups is 2 ⁇ k ⁇ n and the start of a clock period for each group can be controlled with a time delay of a time period ⁇ t 2 ... ⁇ t k .
  • the start of the clock period for all groups is at 1 k Clock periods are offset. This can ensure that the power consumption of the entire LED field is more uniform. This makes it possible for lower demands to be placed on the supply of the light-emitting diode field.
  • the invention further relates to a circuit arrangement for controlling and/or regulating a light-emitting diode field.
  • the circuit arrangement according to the invention has a control and/or regulating means according to claims 1 to 7, a power source and a light-emitting diode field, wherein the light-emitting diode field comprises at least two series circuits, each of which comprises at least one light-emitting diode and a controllable switching element assigned to the light-emitting diode, wherein a control connection of each controllable switching element is connected to an output of the control and/or regulating means.
  • the power source can be regulated by the control and/or regulating means, so that the current corresponds to the power requirement of the light-emitting diodes, the associated controllable switching elements of which are closed.
  • the light-emitting diode field is divided into 2 ⁇ k ⁇ n groups.
  • the brightness distribution which is usually determined in advance, remains the same with this approach.
  • the pulse widths and thus possible reduction of the current the total current requirement of the LED field can become more uniform over a clock period. It is also possible to reduce the maximum current.
  • the circuit arrangement 6 comprises a light-emitting diode array 7 made up of two series circuits 1, 2.
  • Each series circuit 1, 2 comprises a light-emitting diode 3, a resistor 4 and a controllable switching element 5.
  • first series connection 1 and the second series connection 2 will be referred to below.
  • the series circuits 1, 2 are connected in parallel.
  • the light-emitting diodes 3 are arranged within the series circuits 1, 2 so that their anodes rest on a common node.
  • the resistors 4 are arranged between the diodes 3 and the controllable switching elements 5.
  • the circuit arrangement 6 according to the invention includes a current source 8.
  • the current source 8 is a controllable current source.
  • control and/or regulating means 9 according to the invention is provided.
  • the control and/or regulating means 9 has several outputs 10.
  • the control and/or regulating means 9 is connected to the controllable current source 8 and the controllable switching elements 5 of the light-emitting diode field 7 via these outputs 10.
  • First outputs 10 of the control and/or regulating means 9 are connected to control connections of the controllable switching elements 5 of the series circuits 1 and 2 of the light-emitting diode array 7. Control pulses can be given to the switching elements 5 via these first outputs 10 in order to close or open them.
  • a second output 10 is connected to the controllable power source 8. Via this second output 10, a signal can be given by the control and/or regulating means 9 to the controllable current source 8 in order to adjust the current to be supplied by the current source 8.
  • the control and/or regulating means 9 is set up so that the light-emitting diodes 3 have a desired brightness.
  • controllable switching element 5 assigned to a light-emitting diode 3 is controlled to close within a clock period until the light-emitting diode 3 has provided the desired brightness.
  • This pulse is described with a pulse width in % of a clock period and is between 0...100%.
  • the switching on and off occurs at such a high frequency that it is undetectable to the human eye.
  • Figure 2 shows a flowchart to illustrate the determination of the switch-on times and the switch-off times. As a preparatory measure, all pulse widths are available for the process.
  • pulse widths PW ⁇ 100% are present. If the answer to the query is “yes”, the pulse with the largest pulse width is selected.
  • the pulse width is increased to 100% of the clock period.
  • the power requirement is then multiplied by the reciprocal of the magnification factor. All other pulse widths are adjusted equally.
  • the next smaller impulse is selected.
  • the pulse width of this pulse is set as the first total pulse.
  • the remaining range which means the range that is still available when the total pulse is subtracted from the clock period, is then calculated.
  • Another query starts, namely whether there is a pulse so that the pulse width PW is smaller than the remaining range.
  • the switch-on and switch-off times of the individual pulses of the sum pulse can be determined.
  • the procedure is such that the entire sum pulse lies centrally within a clock period.
  • the pulse is selected and a new total pulse is calculated as the sum of the old total pulse plus the pulse width of the selected pulse.
  • Figure 3 shows a typical current curve of a light-emitting diode field controlled according to the invention during a clock period.
  • each LED is controlled individually. By specifically switching the individual LEDs on and off, a desired average brightness of the LED can be set.
  • the light-emitting diode with a desired brightness of 100% is energized for the entire clock period.
  • the light-emitting diodes with other desired brightnesses are switched off again before the end of the clock period after the desired average brightness has been reached.
  • Fig. 3 a current curve in which the pulses of the individual light-emitting diodes are arranged in time so that the switch-on and switch-off times overlap as little as possible.
  • Fig. 3 shows a current distribution during a clock period for selected 8 light-emitting diodes with the pulse widths shown below.
  • the light-emitting diodes are operated in such a way that a maximum occurs in the middle of the clock period in order to minimize unwanted current peaks at the beginning of a clock period.
  • the Fig. 3 is based on the following temporal division of the LEDs.
  • a 1 stands for a closed controllable switching element, so that the selected light-emitting diode is energized and a 0 for an open controllable switching element.
  • Time t[ms] 8th 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.18 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.27 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0.40 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0.62 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0.81 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1.98 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 2.94 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 3.39 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 4.19 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 4.38 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 4.60 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 4.73 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 4.82 0 1 1 0 0 0
  • Fig. 4 shows a typical current curve of a light-emitting diode field controlled according to the invention during a clock period with an adjusted duty cycle and current level.
  • the LED with the highest duty cycle is set to 100% of the switch-on time within a cycle period and at the same time the current level for this LED is reduced by this factor.
  • the effective brightness of the light-emitting diode remains the same with this procedure.
  • the other light-emitting diodes are accordingly energized for longer by the same factor.
  • the required current is multiplied by the reciprocal of this factor and thus reduced.
  • Fig. 4 shows a current distribution during a clock period for selected 8 LEDs as an example after the pulse width and the power requirement have been adjusted, with the pulse widths shown below.
  • the individual LEDs are, as far as possible, arranged sequentially so that the switch-on and switch-off times overlap as little as possible.
  • Fig. 4 results from the following temporal division of the LEDs within a clock period.
  • Time t[ms] 8th 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.13 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0.19 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0.23 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0.48 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1.09 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1.46 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 3.54 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 4.52 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 4.77 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 4.81 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 4.87 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 5.00 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
  • a 1 stands for a closed controllable switching element, so that the selected light-emitting diode is energized and a 0 for an open controllable switching element.
  • FIG. 5a, b Another optimization is in Fig. 5a, b shown.
  • the figures show the power distribution of a light-emitting diode array with three groups. Each group within the LED field shows a similar current curve, which is in Fig. 3 has already been described.
  • Fig. 5a This shows Fig. 5a the case that all groups use the same time as the start of their respective clock period.
  • the power consumption of each group within the LED field adds up.
  • Peak powers of up to 270 W occur at the input of this circuit.
  • Fig. 5b the case is shown that the start of a clock period for each group is delayed by a time period ⁇ t.
  • the groups are controlled offset by a third of a clock period.
  • this example only results in a maximum input power of 190 W.
  • the power distribution is also more even.
  • the inventive control of several groups within a light-emitting diode field has a positive effect on power consumption.

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Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel, zum Steuern und/oder Regeln eines Leuchtdiodenfeldes, mit Ausgängen an denen Steuer- und/oder Regelsignale zum Steuern und/oder Regeln von steuerbaren Schaltelementen abgreifbar sind, wobei Einschaltzeitpunkte und/oder Ausschaltzeitpunkte von Impulsen durch die Steuersignale und/oder Regelsignale definierbar sind und ein und/oder mehrere steuerbare Schaltelemente während der ermittelten Impulse zum Schließen oder Öffnen ansteuerbar sind. Eine Schaltungsanordnung sowie ein Verfahren zum Betreiben der Schaltungsanordnung.The invention relates to a control and/or regulating means for controlling and/or regulating a light-emitting diode field, with outputs at which control and/or regulating signals for controlling and/or regulating controllable switching elements can be tapped, with switch-on times and/or switch-off times of pulses can be defined by the control signals and/or control signals and one and/or more controllable switching elements can be controlled during the determined pulses for closing or opening. A circuit arrangement and a method for operating the circuit arrangement.

Bei Leuchtdiodenfeldern wird die Helligkeit jeder einzelnen Leuchtdiode über ein pulsweitenmoduliertes (Strom-)Signal mit einem Impuls mit einer Pulsbreite PW= 0...100% gesteuert.In light-emitting diode fields, the brightness of each individual light-emitting diode is controlled via a pulse-width-modulated (current) signal with a pulse with a pulse width PW = 0...100%.

In der Regel wird dabei so verfahren, dass die Leuchtdioden zu Beginn einer Taktperiode des PWM-Taktes eingeschaltet und nach dem für das Erreichen der gewünschten Helligkeit gewählten Einschaltzeitraum ausgeschaltet werden. Das Einschalten erfolgt somit für alle LED zeitgleich, das Ausschalten kann für jede LED zu einem anderen Ausschaltzeitpunkt erfolgen, je nach Pulsbreite des Impulses.As a rule, the procedure is such that the LEDs are switched on at the beginning of a clock period of the PWM clock and switched off after the switch-on period selected to achieve the desired brightness. All LEDs are switched on at the same time; each LED can be switched off at a different time, depending on the pulse width of the pulse.

Dies führt zu einer starken Pulsstrombelastung in der Versorgung eines solchen Leuchtdiodenfeldes, insbesondere zum Einschaltzeitpunkt tein = 0. Dies wiederum erhöht die Anforderungen an die Versorgung dieser Systeme und kann zu Problemen bei der EMV führen.This leads to a strong pulse current load in the supply of such a light-emitting diode field, especially at the switch-on time t on = 0. This in turn increases the requirements for the supply of these systems and can lead to EMC problems.

Das Dokument DE 10 2008 0600 42 A1 offenbart ein Verfahren zur Ansteuerung einer Beleuchtungseinheit, bei welchem mindestens eine Kette mit einer vorgebbaren Anzahl von einzelnen LED-Lichtquellen gebildet wird, die jeweils von einer Wandlereinheit mit Energie versorgt wird. Die Einschaltzeitpunkte und Ausschaltzeitpunkte der LED-Lichtquellen einer Kette während einer PWM-Periode werden so berechnet, dass die Einschaltzeitpunkte der LED-Lichtquellen während der PWM-Periode gegeneinander versetzt werden, wobei eine ausgeschaltete LED-Lichtquelle während einer PWM-Periode nur dann eingeschaltet wird, wenn eine eingeschaltete LED-Lichtquelle ausgeschaltet wird.The document DE 10 2008 0600 42 A1 discloses a method for controlling a lighting unit, in which at least one chain is formed with a predeterminable number of individual LED light sources, each of which is supplied with energy by a converter unit. The switch-on times and switch-off times of the LED light sources in a chain during a PWM period are calculated in such a way that the switch-on times of the LED light sources during the PWM period are offset from one another, with a switched-off LED light source only being switched on during a PWM period when a switched-on LED light source is switched off.

Leuchtdiodenfelder befindet sich beispielsweise in neuartig entwickelten LED-Scheinwerfern mit mehreren zehntausend Leuchtdioden innerhalb eines Leuchtdiodenfeldes. Hier ist es wünschenswert das Strommaximum im System zu reduzieren und die Stromkurve insgesamt zu vergleichsmäßigen, um bessere EMV Verhältnisse zu erreichen und eine günstigere Auslegung der LED Versorgung zu ermöglichen An diesem Punkt setzt die Erfindung an.Light-emitting diode fields are found, for example, in newly developed LED headlights with tens of thousands of light-emitting diodes within a light-emitting diode field. Here it is desirable to reduce the maximum current in the system and to equalize the overall current curve in order to achieve better EMC conditions and to enable a more favorable design of the LED supply. This is where the invention comes into play.

Der Erfindung lag das Problem zugrunde, ein Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel der eingangs genannten Art so zu verbessern, dass eine gewünschte Lichtverteilung erreicht wird und gleichzeitig eine reduzierte Dynamik im Gesamtstrom und Spitzenstrom erreicht wird.The invention was based on the problem of improving a control and/or regulating means of the type mentioned in such a way that a desired light distribution is achieved and at the same time a reduced dynamic in the total current and peak current is achieved.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, dass ein Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel, zum Steuern und/oder Regeln eines Leuchtdiodenfeldes mit n Leuchtdioden, mit Ausgängen an denen Steuer- und/oder Regelsignale zum Steuern und/oder Regeln von steuerbaren Schaltelementen abgreifbar sind, wobei mit dem Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel Einschaltzeitpunkte und/oder Ausschaltzeitpunkte von Impulsen durch die Steuersignale und/oder Regelsignale definierbar sind und ein und/oder mehrere steuerbare Schaltelemente während der ermittelten Impulse zum Schließen oder Öffnen ansteuerbar sind wobei eine Anzahl von k Gruppen festlegbar oder festgelegt ist, jede LED einer der k Gruppen zugeordnet ist, so dass jede der k Gruppen mj Leuchtdioden enthält, wobei 1 ≤ jk und j = 1 k m j = n

Figure imgb0001
ist und die ermittelten Einschaltzeitpunkte und/oder Ausschaltzeitpunkte der Impulse einer jeden Gruppe durch das Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel so festlegt werden, dass sich die Impulse möglichst wenig überschneiden, wobei

  • eine Helligkeit einer jeden Leuchtdiode mj einer der k Gruppen durch Einstellen einer Pulsbreite des Impulses von 0...100% einer Taktperiode steuerbar ist und
  • mit dem Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel
    • ermittelbar oder ermittelt ist, welche Impulse eine Pulsbreite =100% haben, wobei der Einschaltzeitpunkt und der Ausschaltzeitpunkt für jeden dieser Impulse auf den Anfang bzw. das Ende einer Taktperiode festlegbar ist,
    • ermittelbar oder ermittelt ist, welche Impulse eine Pulsbreite <100% haben,
    • Impulse mit Pulsbreiten <100% zu Summenimpulsen zusammenfassbar sind, so lange die Summe der Pulsbreiten <=100% ist,
    • der Einschaltzeitpunkt und/oder Ausschaltzeitpunkt des Impulses für jede Leuchtdiode in jeder Gruppe so festlegbar oder festgelegt ist, dass der Summenimpuls mittig innerhalb einer Taktperiode liegt.
This object is achieved according to the invention in that a control and/or regulating means for controlling and/or regulating a light-emitting diode field with n light-emitting diodes, with outputs at which control and/or regulating signals for controlling and/or regulating controllable switching elements can be tapped, wherein with the control and/or regulating means switch-on times and/or switch-off times of pulses can be defined by the control signals and/or regulation signals and one and/or more controllable switching elements can be controlled for closing or opening during the determined pulses, wherein a number of k groups can be defined or is fixed, each LED is assigned to one of the k groups, so that each of the k groups contains m j light-emitting diodes, where 1 ≤ jk and j = 1 k m j = n
Figure imgb0001
and the determined switch-on times and/or switch-off times of the pulses of each group are determined by the control and/or regulating means in such a way that the pulses overlap as little as possible, whereby
  • a brightness of each light-emitting diode m j of one of the k groups can be controlled by setting a pulse width of the pulse from 0...100% of a clock period and
  • with the control and/or regulation means
    • it can be determined or determined which pulses have a pulse width = 100%, whereby the switch-on time and the switch-off time for each of these pulses can be set to the beginning or the end of a clock period,
    • it can be determined or determined which pulses have a pulse width <100%,
    • Pulses with pulse widths <100% can be combined into sum pulses as long as the sum of the pulse widths is <=100%,
    • the switch-on time and/or switch-off time of the pulse for each light-emitting diode in each group can be determined or fixed in such a way that the sum pulse lies in the middle within a clock period.

Durch das erfindungsgemäße Steuer- und Regelungsmittel werden die Einschaltzeitpunkte und die Ausschaltzeitpunkte der LEDs so gewählt, dass nicht alle LEDs gleichzeitig zum Beginn der Taktperiode eingeschaltet werden.The control and regulation means according to the invention selects the switch-on times and the switch-off times of the LEDs so that not all LEDs are switched on at the same time at the beginning of the clock period.

Durch die sequentielle Anordnung der Impulse, deren Pulsbreiten aufsummiert nah an 100% reichen sollten, ist es möglich einen gleichmäßigeren Strombedarf zu erzeugen. Ebenso wird der Summenimpuls in die Mitte einer Taktperiode gelegt. Hierdurch wird ein Maximum des Strombedarfs, welches nicht immer zu vermeiden ist, ebenfalls in die Mitte einer Taktperiode verschoben. Die so entstehende Wellenform des Stromes führt dazu, dass die hohen Spitzenströme am Anfang einer Taktperiode, sowie steile Stromanstiege in kurzer Zeit, die zu EMV Problemen führen können, vermieden werden können.Through the sequential arrangement of the pulses, the pulse widths of which should be close to 100%, it is possible to generate a more uniform power requirement. Likewise, the sum pulse is placed in the middle of a clock period. As a result, a maximum of the power requirement, which cannot always be avoided, is also shifted to the middle of a clock period. The resulting waveform of the current means that the high peak currents at the beginning of a clock period, as well as steep current increases in a short time, which can lead to EMC problems, can be avoided.

Durch diese Maßnahme wird der Maximalstrom im System reduziert und die Stromkurve abgeflacht.This measure reduces the maximum current in the system and flattens the current curve.

Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass eine Helligkeit einer jeden Leuchtdiode mj einer der k Gruppen auch durch Einstellen einer Amplitude des Impulses steuerbar ist.It can be provided that a brightness of each light-emitting diode m j of one of the k groups can also be controlled by adjusting an amplitude of the pulse.

Darüber hinaus kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Einschaltzeitpunkt und/oder Ausschaltzeitpunkt des Impulses für jede Leuchtdiode mj einer Gruppe in Abhängigkeit der Pulsbreite und/oder der Amplitude des Impulses bestimmbar ist.In addition, it can be provided that the switch-on time and/or switch-off time of the pulse can be determined for each light-emitting diode m j of a group depending on the pulse width and/or the amplitude of the pulse.

Vorteilhafterweise ist es vorgesehen, dass die ermittelten Einschaltzeitpunkte und/oder Ausschaltzeitpunkte der Impulse innerhalb einer vorgegebenen Taktperiode liegen.Advantageously, it is provided that the determined switch-on times and/or switch-off times of the pulses lie within a predetermined clock period.

Es besteht die Möglichkeit, dass die Anzahl der Gruppen 2 ≤ kn beträgt und der Beginn einer Taktperiode für jede Gruppe zeitversetzt um eine Zeitspanne Δt 2 ... Δtk ansteuerbar ist. Vorteilhafterweise kann die Zeitspanne Δ t nach der Formel Δ t = Taktperiode k ermit- telbar sein .

Figure imgb0002
It is possible that the number of groups is 2 ≤ kn and the start of a clock period for each group can be controlled with a time delay of a time period Δ t 2 ... Δ t k . Advantageously can the Period of time Δ t after the formula Δ t = clock period k he with- Telable be .
Figure imgb0002

In diesem Fall wird der Beginn der Taktperiode für alle Gruppen um 1 k

Figure imgb0003
Taktperioden versetzt festgelegt. Hiermit kann erreicht werden, dass die Leistungsaufnahme des gesamten Leuchtdiodenfeldes gleichmäßiger ist. Hierdurch kann es möglich sein, dass an die Versorgung des Leuchtdiodenfeldes geringere Anforderungen gestellt werden können.In this case, the start of the clock period for all groups is at 1 k
Figure imgb0003
Clock periods are offset. This can ensure that the power consumption of the entire LED field is more uniform. This makes it possible for lower demands to be placed on the supply of the light-emitting diode field.

Des Weiteren betrifft die Erfindung eine Schaltungsanordnung, zum Steuern und/oder Regeln eines Leuchtdiodenfeldes. Die erfindungsgemäße Schaltungsanordnung weist ein Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel gemäß den Ansprüchen 1 bis 7, eine Stromquelle und ein Leuchtdiodenfeld auf, wobei das Leuchtdiodenfeld wenigstens zwei Reihenschaltungen umfasst, die jeweils wenigstens eine Leuchtdiode und ein der Leuchtdiode zugeordnetes steuerbares Schaltelement umfassen, wobei ein Steueranschluss jedes steuerbaren Schaltelements mit einem Ausgang des Steuer und/oder Regelungsmittels verbunden ist.The invention further relates to a circuit arrangement for controlling and/or regulating a light-emitting diode field. The circuit arrangement according to the invention has a control and/or regulating means according to claims 1 to 7, a power source and a light-emitting diode field, wherein the light-emitting diode field comprises at least two series circuits, each of which comprises at least one light-emitting diode and a controllable switching element assigned to the light-emitting diode, wherein a control connection of each controllable switching element is connected to an output of the control and/or regulating means.

Dabei kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Stromquelle durch das Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel regelbar ist, so dass der Strom dem Strombedarf der Leuchtdioden entspricht, deren zugeordnete steuerbare Schaltelemente geschlossen sind.It can be provided that the power source can be regulated by the control and/or regulating means, so that the current corresponds to the power requirement of the light-emitting diodes, the associated controllable switching elements of which are closed.

Darüber hinaus kann vorgesehen sein, dass das Leuchtdiodenfeld in 2 ≤ kn Gruppen eingeteilt ist.In addition, it can be provided that the light-emitting diode field is divided into 2 ≤ kn groups.

Durch die Einteilung in wenigstens 2 Gruppen besteht die Möglichkeit, den Beginn einer Taktperiode für jede Gruppe um eine Zeitspanne Δt zu versetzen und die bereits geschilderten Vorteile zu nutzen.By dividing it into at least 2 groups, it is possible to offset the start of a clock period for each group by a period of time Δt and to use the advantages already described.

Das Verfahren zum Betreiben einer erfindungsgemäßen Schaltungsanordnung weist wenigstens die nachfolgenden Schritte aufweist:

  • das Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel prüft, welche Impulse eine Pulsbreite =100% haben,
  • der Einschaltzeitpunkt und der Ausschaltzeitpunkt für jeden dieser Impulse wird auf den Anfang bzw. das Ende einer Taktperiode gelegt,
  • das Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel prüft, welche Impulse eine Pulsbreite <100% haben,
  • Impulse mit Pulsbreiten <100% können zu Summenimpulsen zusammengefasst werden, so lange die Summe der Pulsbreiten <=100% ist,
  • das Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel ermittelt den Einschaltzeitpunkt und/oder Ausschaltzeitpunkt des Impulses für jede Leuchtdiode in jeder Gruppe so, dass der Summenimpuls mittig innerhalb einer Taktperiode liegt,
  • das Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel steuert die steuerbaren Schaltelemente für den ermittelten Einschaltzeitpunkt und/oder Ausschaltzeitpunkt der Impulse zum Schließen oder Öffnen an.
The method for operating a circuit arrangement according to the invention has at least the following steps:
  • the control and/or regulating means checks which pulses have a pulse width = 100%,
  • the switch-on time and the switch-off time for each of these pulses are set to the beginning or the end of a clock period,
  • the control and/or regulating means checks which pulses have a pulse width <100%,
  • Pulses with pulse widths <100% can be combined into sum pulses as long as the sum of the pulse widths is <=100%,
  • the control and/or regulating means determines the switch-on time and/or switch-off time of the pulse for each light-emitting diode in each group so that the sum pulse lies centrally within a clock period,
  • the control and/or regulating means controls the controllable switching elements for the determined switch-on time and/or switch-off time of the pulses for closing or opening.

Ebenso kann vorgesehen sein, dass das Verfahren zum Betreiben einer erfindungsgemäßen Schaltungsanordnung, welches insbesondere zur Durchführung vor der Durchführung des oben geschilderten Verfahrens geeignet ist, wenigstens die nachfolgenden Schritte aufweist:

  • das Steuer- bzw. Regelungsmittel ermittelt die Impulsbreiten für jede Leuchtdiode in einer Gruppe oder es werden die Impulsbreiten an das Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel übergeben,
  • das Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel ermittelt die größte Impulsbreite,
  • die größte Impulsbreite wird mit der Taktperiode verglichen,
  • ist die größte Impulsbreite kürzer als die Taktperiode, wird ein Faktor berechnet, der diese Impulsbreite auf 100% der Taktperiode vergrößert,
  • alle weiteren Impulsbreiten der Impulse für jede Leuchtdiode in einer Gruppe werden um den gleichen Faktor vergrößert,
  • der benötigte Strombedarf jedes Impulses wird mit dem Kehrwert des Faktors multipliziert.
It can also be provided that the method for operating a circuit arrangement according to the invention, which is particularly suitable for implementation before carrying out the method described above, has at least the following steps:
  • the control or regulation means determines the pulse widths for each light-emitting diode in a group or the pulse widths are transferred to the control and/or regulation means,
  • the control and/or regulating means determines the largest pulse width,
  • the largest pulse width is compared with the clock period,
  • if the largest pulse width is shorter than the clock period, a factor is calculated that increases this pulse width to 100% of the clock period,
  • all further pulse widths of the pulses for each LED in a group are increased by the same factor,
  • the required power requirement of each pulse is multiplied by the reciprocal of the factor.

Die Helligkeitsverteilung, die zumeist im Vorhinein festgelegt wird, bleibt bei dieser Vorgehensweise gleich. Durch die Vergrößerung der Pulsbreiten und der damit möglichen Verkleinerung des Stromes kann der Gesamtstrombedarf des Leuchtdiodenfeldes über eine Taktperiode gleichmäßiger werden. Ebenso ist es möglich das Maximum des Stromes zu reduzieren.The brightness distribution, which is usually determined in advance, remains the same with this approach. By increasing the pulse widths and thus possible reduction of the current, the total current requirement of the LED field can become more uniform over a clock period. It is also possible to reduce the maximum current.

Anhand der beigefügten Zeichnungen wird die Erfindung nachfolgend näher erläutert. Dabei zeigt:

Fig. 1
ein Blockschaltbild der erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung
Fig. 2
Flussdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung der Ermittlung der Einschaltzeitpunkte und der Ausschaltzeitpunkte
Fig. 3
einen typischen Stromverlauf eines Leuchtdiodenfeldes während einer Taktperiode
Fig. 4
einen typischen Stromverlauf eines Leuchtdiodenfeldes während einer Taktperiode bei angepasster Einschaltzeit und Bestromungshöhe
Fig. 5a,b
eine Gegenüberstellung von typischen Leistungsverteilung eines Leuchtdiodenfeldes mit drei Gruppen ohne Verschiebung des Beginns einer Taktperiode (a) und mit Verschiebung des Beginns einer Taktperiode (b)
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This shows:
Fig. 1
a block diagram of the arrangement according to the invention
Fig. 2
Flowchart to illustrate the determination of the switch-on times and the switch-off times
Fig. 3
a typical current curve of a light-emitting diode field during a clock period
Fig. 4
a typical current curve of a light-emitting diode field during a clock period with an adjusted switch-on time and current level
Fig. 5a,b
a comparison of typical power distribution of a light-emitting diode field with three groups without shifting the start of a clock period (a) and with shifting the start of a clock period (b)

Die in der Figur 1 dargestellte erfindungsgemäße Schaltungsanordnung 6 umfasst ein Leuchtdiodenfeld 7 aus zwei Reihenschaltungen 1, 2. Jede Reihenschaltung 1, 2 umfasst eine Leuchtdiode 3, einen Widerstand 4 und ein steuerbares Schaltelement 5.The ones in the Figure 1 The circuit arrangement 6 according to the invention shown comprises a light-emitting diode array 7 made up of two series circuits 1, 2. Each series circuit 1, 2 comprises a light-emitting diode 3, a resistor 4 and a controllable switching element 5.

Entsprechend der Indizes der Bezeichnungen der Bauelemente wird nachfolgend von der ersten Reihenschaltung 1 und der zweiten Reihenschaltung 2 gesprochen werden.According to the indices of the designations of the components, the first series connection 1 and the second series connection 2 will be referred to below.

Die Reihenschaltungen 1, 2 sind parallel geschaltet. Die Leuchtdioden 3 sind innerhalb der Reihenschaltungen 1 ,2 so angeordnet, dass ihre Anoden an einem gemeinsamen Knoten anliegen. Die Widerstände 4 sind zwischen den Dioden 3 und den steuerbaren Schaltelementen 5 angeordnet. Neben dem Leuchtdiodenfeld 7 umfasst die erfindungsgemäße Schaltungsanordnung 6 eine Stromquelle 8. Bei der Stromquelle 8 handelt es sich um eine steuerbare Stromquelle.The series circuits 1, 2 are connected in parallel. The light-emitting diodes 3 are arranged within the series circuits 1, 2 so that their anodes rest on a common node. The resistors 4 are arranged between the diodes 3 and the controllable switching elements 5. In addition to the light-emitting diode field 7, the circuit arrangement 6 according to the invention includes a current source 8. The current source 8 is a controllable current source.

Außerdem ist bei einer erfindungsgemäßen Schaltungsanordnung 6 ein erfindungsgemäßes Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel 9 vorgesehen. Das Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel 9 hat mehrere Ausgänge 10. Über diese Ausgänge 10 ist das Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel 9 mit der steuerbaren Stromquelle 8 und den steuerbaren Schaltelementen 5 des Leuchtdiodenfeldes 7 verbunden.In addition, in a circuit arrangement 6 according to the invention, a control and/or regulating means 9 according to the invention is provided. The control and/or regulating means 9 has several outputs 10. The control and/or regulating means 9 is connected to the controllable current source 8 and the controllable switching elements 5 of the light-emitting diode field 7 via these outputs 10.

Erste Ausgänge 10 des Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittels 9 sind mit Steueranschlüssen der steuerbaren Schaltelemente 5 der Reihenschaltungen 1 und 2 des Leuchtdiodenfeldes 7 verbunden. Über diese ersten Ausgänge 10 können Steuerimpulse an die Schaltelemente 5 gegeben werden, um diese zu Schließen oder zu Öffnen. Ein zweiter Ausgang 10 ist mit der steuerbaren Stromquelle 8 verbunden. Über diesen zweiten Ausgang 10 kann von dem Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel 9 ein Signal an die steuerbare Stromquelle 8 gegeben werden, um den von der Stromquelle 8 zu liefernden Strom einzustellen. Das Steuer- und/oder Regelungsmittel 9, ist so eingerichtet, dass die Leuchtdioden 3 eine gewünschte Helligkeit haben.First outputs 10 of the control and/or regulating means 9 are connected to control connections of the controllable switching elements 5 of the series circuits 1 and 2 of the light-emitting diode array 7. Control pulses can be given to the switching elements 5 via these first outputs 10 in order to close or open them. A second output 10 is connected to the controllable power source 8. Via this second output 10, a signal can be given by the control and/or regulating means 9 to the controllable current source 8 in order to adjust the current to be supplied by the current source 8. The control and/or regulating means 9 is set up so that the light-emitting diodes 3 have a desired brightness.

Dies wird dadurch erreicht, dass das, einer Leuchtdiode 3 zugeordnete steuerbare Schaltelement 5 innerhalb einer Taktperiode so lange zum Schließen angesteuert wird, bis die Leuchtdiode 3 die gewünschte Helligkeit erbracht hat.This is achieved in that the controllable switching element 5 assigned to a light-emitting diode 3 is controlled to close within a clock period until the light-emitting diode 3 has provided the desired brightness.

Dieser Impuls wird mit einer Pulsbreite in % einer Taktperiode beschrieben und liegt zwischen 0...100%. Das Ein- und Ausschalten erfolgt mit einer so hohen Frequenz, dass es für das menschliche Auge nicht erkennbar ist.This pulse is described with a pulse width in % of a clock period and is between 0...100%. The switching on and off occurs at such a high frequency that it is undetectable to the human eye.

Figur 2 zeigt ein Flussdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung der Ermittlung der Einschaltzeitpunkte und der Ausschaltzeitpunkte. Als vorbereitende Maßnahme liegen dem Vorgang alle Impulsbreiten vor. Figure 2 shows a flowchart to illustrate the determination of the switch-on times and the switch-off times. As a preparatory measure, all pulse widths are available for the process.

Zu Beginn des Flussdiagramms wird unterschieden, ob Impulsbreiten PW<100% vorhanden sind. Ist die Abfrage mit "ja" zu beantworten wird der Impuls mit der größten Impulsbreite ausgewählt.At the beginning of the flowchart, a distinction is made as to whether pulse widths PW<100% are present. If the answer to the query is “yes”, the pulse with the largest pulse width is selected.

Die Impulsbreite wird auf 100 % der Taktperiode vergrößert. Im Anschluss daran wird der Strombedarf mit dem Kehrwert des Vergrößerungsfaktors multipliziert. Alle weiteren Impulsbreiten werden gleichermaßen angepasst.The pulse width is increased to 100% of the clock period. The power requirement is then multiplied by the reciprocal of the magnification factor. All other pulse widths are adjusted equally.

Nach dem durchlaufen dieser Schleife sind definitionsgemäß Impulsbreiten PW=100 % vorhanden. Das Flussdiagramm fährt dann an der Stelle fort, die angesteuert wird, wenn bei der obigen Anfrage mit "nein" geantwortet wird.By definition, after going through this loop, pulse widths PW=100% are present. The flowchart then continues from the point that is addressed if the answer to the above request is “no”.

Die Impulsbreiten werden der Größe nach sortiert. Im Anschluss daran wird ein Impuls mit der Pulsbreite PW=100% ausgewählt und der Einschaltzeitpunkt und Ausschaltzeitpunkt für diesen Impuls festgelegt. Normalerweise werden der Einschaltzeitpunkt der Beginn der Taktperiode und der Ausschaltzeitpunkt das Ende der Taktperiode sein.The pulse widths are sorted by size. A pulse with the pulse width PW=100% is then selected and the switch-on and switch-off times are set for this pulse. Normally the switch-on time will be the start of the clock period and the switch-off time will be the end of the clock period.

Im Anschluss daran wird geprüft ob ein weiterer Impuls mit PW=100% vorhanden ist.It is then checked whether there is another pulse with PW=100%.

Ist die Abfrage mit "ja" zu beantworten, startet die Schleife bei der Auswahl des Impulses erneut.If the query is answered with “yes”, the loop starts again when the pulse is selected.

Ist die Abfrage mit "nein" zu beantworten, wird der nächst kleinere Impuls ausgewählt. Die Impulsbreite dieses Impulses wird als erster Summenimpuls gesetzt. Im Anschluss wird der Restbereich, dies bedeutet der Bereich, der noch vorhanden ist, wenn man den Summen Impuls von der Taktperiode abzieht, berechnet.If the answer to the query is “no”, the next smaller impulse is selected. The pulse width of this pulse is set as the first total pulse. The remaining range, which means the range that is still available when the total pulse is subtracted from the clock period, is then calculated.

Es startet eine weitere Abfrage und zwar, ob ein Impuls vorhanden ist sodass die Pulsbreite PW kleiner als der Restbereich ist.Another query starts, namely whether there is a pulse so that the pulse width PW is smaller than the remaining range.

Wird die Abfrage mit "nein" beantwortet, kann der Einschaltzeitpunkte und der Ausschaltzeitpunkte der einzelnen Impulse des Summenimpulses festgelegt werden. Hierbei wird erfindungsgemäß so verfahren dass der gesamte Summen Impuls mittig innerhalb einer Taktperiode liegt.If the query is answered with "no", the switch-on and switch-off times of the individual pulses of the sum pulse can be determined. According to the invention, the procedure is such that the entire sum pulse lies centrally within a clock period.

Wird die Abfrage mit "ja" beantwortet, wird der Impuls ausgewählt und ein neuer Summenimpuls als Summe des alten Summenimpulses plus die Pulsbreite des ausgewählten Impulses berechnet.If the query is answered with "yes", the pulse is selected and a new total pulse is calculated as the sum of the old total pulse plus the pulse width of the selected pulse.

Mit diesem neuen Summenimpuls wird die Berechnung des Restbereiches erneut gestartet und die Schleife erneut durchlaufen.With this new sum pulse, the calculation of the remaining area is started again and the loop is run through again.

Werden keine Impulse mehr gefunden die in den vorhandenen Restbereich passen, wird geprüft, ob alle Impulse bereits ausgewählt wurden.If no more pulses are found that fit into the existing remaining range, a check is made to see whether all pulses have already been selected.

Ist dies der Fall, endet der Ablauf. Wird die Abfrage mit "nein" beantwortet, wird der nächstkleinere noch nicht ausgewählte Impuls ausgewählt und die Schleife ab diesem Punkt wieder durchlaufen.If this is the case, the process ends. If the query is answered with "no", the next smallest pulse that has not yet been selected is selected and the loop runs through again from this point.

Figur 3 zeigt einen typischen Stromverlauf eines erfindungsgemäß angesteuerten Leuchtdiodenfeldes während einer Taktperiode. Figure 3 shows a typical current curve of a light-emitting diode field controlled according to the invention during a clock period.

Für bestimmte Anwendungen von Leuchtdiodenfeldern, beispielsweise in Scheinwerfern, ist eine Lichtverteilung mit unterschiedlichen Helligkeitsstufen gewollt. Aus diesem Grunde wird jede Leuchtdiode einzeln angesteuert. Durch ein gezieltes Ein- und Ausschalten der einzelnen Leuchtdioden kann eine gewünschte mittlere Helligkeit der Leuchtdiode eingestellt werden.For certain applications of light-emitting diode fields, for example in headlights, light distribution with different brightness levels is desired. For this reason, each LED is controlled individually. By specifically switching the individual LEDs on and off, a desired average brightness of the LED can be set.

Die Leuchtdiode mit einer gewünschten Helligkeit von 100% wird in diesem Fall für die gesamte Taktperiode bestromt.In this case, the light-emitting diode with a desired brightness of 100% is energized for the entire clock period.

Die Leuchtdioden mit anderen gewünschten Helligkeiten, werden nach dem Erreichen der gewünschten mittleren Helligkeit bereits vor dem Ende der Taktperiode wieder ausgeschaltet.The light-emitting diodes with other desired brightnesses are switched off again before the end of the clock period after the desired average brightness has been reached.

Für die Leuchtdioden mit einer gewünschten Helligkeit von weniger als 100% ergibt sich somit die Möglichkeit den Einschaltzeitpunkt und den Ausschaltzeitpunkt innerhalb der Taktperiode zu verschieben.For the light-emitting diodes with a desired brightness of less than 100%, it is possible to shift the switch-on time and the switch-off time within the clock period.

Gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt Fig. 3 einen Stromverlauf, bei dem die Impulse der einzelnen Leuchtdioden zeitlich so angeordnet werden, dass sich die Ein- bzw. Ausschaltzeitpunkte möglichst wenig überlappen.According to the present invention shows Fig. 3 a current curve in which the pulses of the individual light-emitting diodes are arranged in time so that the switch-on and switch-off times overlap as little as possible.

Fig. 3 zeigt dabei eine Stromverteilung während einer Taktperiode für beispielhaft ausgewählte 8 Leuchtdioden mit den nachfolgend bezeigten Impulsbreiten. LED 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 PW in % 84,00 100,00 92,62 89,03 75,00 67,74 38,62 17,75 Fig. 3 shows a current distribution during a clock period for selected 8 light-emitting diodes with the pulse widths shown below. LED 8th 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 PW in % 84.00 100.00 92.62 89.03 75.00 67.74 38.62 17.75

Die Leuchtdioden werden zeitlich so betrieben, dass ein Maximum in der Mitte der Taktperiode auftritt, um nicht gewünschte Stromspitzen am Anfang einer Taktperiode zu minimieren.The light-emitting diodes are operated in such a way that a maximum occurs in the middle of the clock period in order to minimize unwanted current peaks at the beginning of a clock period.

Der Fig. 3 liegt folgende zeitliche Aufteilung der Leuchtdioden zu Grunde.The Fig. 3 is based on the following temporal division of the LEDs.

Hierbei steht eine 1 für ein geschlossenes steuerbares Schaltelement, so dass die ausgewählte Leuchtdiode bestromt wird und eine 0 für ein geöffnetes steuerbares Schaltelement. Zeit t[ms] 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0,18 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0,27 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0,40 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0,62 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0,81 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1,98 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 2,94 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 3,39 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 4,19 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 4,38 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 4,60 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 4,73 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 4,82 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 5,00 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Here a 1 stands for a closed controllable switching element, so that the selected light-emitting diode is energized and a 0 for an open controllable switching element. Time t[ms] 8th 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.18 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.27 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0.40 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0.62 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0.81 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1.98 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 2.94 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 3.39 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 4.19 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 4.38 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 4.60 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 4.73 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 4.82 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 5.00 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Fig. 4 zeigt einen typischen Stromverlauf eines erfindungsgemäß angesteuerten Leuchtdiodenfeldes während einer Taktperiode bei angepasster Einschaltdauer und Bestromungshöhe. Fig. 4 shows a typical current curve of a light-emitting diode field controlled according to the invention during a clock period with an adjusted duty cycle and current level.

Für den auftretenden Fall, dass keine Leuchtdiode in einem Leuchtdiodenfeld eine Helligkeit von 100% erreichen soll, wäre es durchaus denkbar, den Impuls für jede Leichtdiode wie in Fig. 3 dargestellt auf eine Taktperiode zu verteilen.In the event that no light-emitting diode in a light-emitting diode field should achieve a brightness of 100%, it would be entirely conceivable to have the pulse for each light-emitting diode as in Fig. 3 shown to be distributed over a clock period.

Zur Optimierung des Stromverbrauchs und der Dynamik im Gesamtstrom wird bei dem in Fig. 4 gezeigten Stromverlauf eine Ansteuerung der einzelnen Leuchtdioden folgendermaßen vorgenommen.In order to optimize the power consumption and the dynamics in the overall power, the in Fig. 4 The current curve shown is used to control the individual light-emitting diodes as follows.

Die Leuchtdiode mit der höchsten Einschaltdauer wird auf 100 % der Einschaltzeit innerhalb einer Taktperiode gesetzt und gleichzeitig die Bestromungshöhe für diese Leuchtdiode um diesen Faktor reduziert.The LED with the highest duty cycle is set to 100% of the switch-on time within a cycle period and at the same time the current level for this LED is reduced by this factor.

Die effektive Helligkeit der Leuchtdiode bleibt bei dieser Vorgehensweise gleich.The effective brightness of the light-emitting diode remains the same with this procedure.

Die anderen Leuchtdioden werden dementsprechend um den gleichen Faktor länger bestromt. Der benötigte Strom wird mit dem Kehrwert dieses Faktors multipliziert und damit verkleinert.The other light-emitting diodes are accordingly energized for longer by the same factor. The required current is multiplied by the reciprocal of this factor and thus reduced.

Erst nachdem dieser Vorgang durchgeführt wurde, werden für die Leuchtdioden aus einem Leuchtdiodenfeld die Ein- und Ausschaltzeitpunkte ermittelt. Dies kann erfindungsgemäß nach dem gleichen Verfahren erfolgen, welches in Fig. 3 beschrieben wurde.Only after this process has been carried out are the switch-on and switch-off times determined for the LEDs from a LED field. According to the invention, this can be done using the same method as in Fig. 3 was described.

Fig. 4 zeigt dabei eine Stromverteilung während einer Taktperiode für beispielhaft ausgewählte 8 Leuchtdioden nachdem die Impulsbreite und der Strombedarf angepasst wurden, mit den nachfolgend bezeigten Impulsbreiten. LED 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 PW in % 90,70 96,13 100,00 96,13 80,98 75,58 41,70 19,17 Fig. 4 shows a current distribution during a clock period for selected 8 LEDs as an example after the pulse width and the power requirement have been adjusted, with the pulse widths shown below. LED 8th 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 PW in % 90.70 96.13 100.00 96.13 80.98 75.58 41.70 19.17

Die einzelnen Leuchtdioden werden, soweit möglich wieder sequenziell angeordnet, so dass sich die Ein- und Ausschaltzeitpunkte möglichst wenig überschneiden.The individual LEDs are, as far as possible, arranged sequentially so that the switch-on and switch-off times overlap as little as possible.

Fig. 4 ergibt sich aus folgender zeitlichen Aufteilung der Leuchtdioden innerhalb einer Taktperiode. Zeit t[ms] 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0,13 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0,19 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0,23 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0,48 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1,09 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1,46 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 3,54 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 4,52 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 4,77 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 4,81 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 4,87 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 5,00 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 Fig. 4 results from the following temporal division of the LEDs within a clock period. Time t[ms] 8th 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.13 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0.19 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0.23 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0.48 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1.09 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1.46 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 3.54 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 4.52 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 4.77 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 4.81 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 4.87 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 5.00 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

Hierbei steht eine 1 für ein geschlossenes steuerbares Schaltelement, so dass die ausgewählte Leuchtdiode bestromt wird und eine 0 für ein geöffnetes steuerbares Schaltelement.Here a 1 stands for a closed controllable switching element, so that the selected light-emitting diode is energized and a 0 for an open controllable switching element.

Der Vorteil bei dieser Vorgehensweise ist eine reduzierte Dynamik im Gesamtstrom und im Spitzenstrom.The advantage of this approach is reduced dynamics in the total current and in the peak current.

Eine weitere Optimierung ist in Fig. 5a, b gezeigt. Die Figuren zeigen die Leistungsverteilung von einem Leuchtdiodenfeld mit drei Gruppen. Jede Gruppe innerhalb des Leuchtdiodenfeldes zeigt dabei einen ähnlichen Stromverlauf, der in Fig. 3 bereits beschrieben wurde.Another optimization is in Fig. 5a, b shown. The figures show the power distribution of a light-emitting diode array with three groups. Each group within the LED field shows a similar current curve, which is in Fig. 3 has already been described.

Hierbei zeigt Fig. 5a den Fall, dass alle Gruppen den gleichen Zeitpunkt als Beginn für ihre jeweilige Taktperiode nutzen. Die Leistungsaufnahme jeder Gruppe innerhalb des Leuchtdiodenfeldes addiert sich. Im vorliegenden Beispiel von Fig. 5a treten in der Spitze Leistungen bis 270 W am Eingang dieser Schaltung auf.This shows Fig. 5a the case that all groups use the same time as the start of their respective clock period. The power consumption of each group within the LED field adds up. In the present example of Fig. 5a Peak powers of up to 270 W occur at the input of this circuit.

In Fig. 5b wird der Fall gezeigt, dass der Beginn einer Taktperiode für jede Gruppe zeitversetzt um eine Zeitspanne Δt ist. Hier werden die Gruppen um je eine Drittel Taktperiode versetzt angesteuert.In Fig. 5b the case is shown that the start of a clock period for each group is delayed by a time period Δt. Here the groups are controlled offset by a third of a clock period.

Damit ergibt sich die in Fig. 5b gezeigte Leistungsverteilung.This results in the in Fig. 5b power distribution shown.

Aufgrund der Überlagerung der drei zeitversetzten Gruppen stellt sich in diesem Beispiel nur noch eine maximale Eingangsleistung von 190 W ein. Ebenfalls ist der Verlauf der Leistungsverteilung gleichmäßiger.Due to the overlapping of the three time-shifted groups, this example only results in a maximum input power of 190 W. The power distribution is also more even.

Die erfindungsgemäße Ansteuerung von mehreren Gruppen innerhalb eines Leuchtdiodenfeldes wirkt sich positiv auf die Leistungsaufnahme aus.The inventive control of several groups within a light-emitting diode field has a positive effect on power consumption.

Claims (11)

  1. Controlling and/or regulating unit (9) for controlling and/or regulating an LED field (7) with n light emitting diodes (3) with outputs (10) at which controlling and/or regulating signals for controlling and/or regulating of controllable switch elements (5) can be read,
    where the controlling and/or regulating unit (9) can be used
    - to define activation times and/or deactivation times of impulses from the controlling signals and/or regulating signals,
    - one and/or several controllable switch elements (5) can be actuated for closing or opening during the emitted impulses,
    where
    - a number of k groups can be determined or have been determined,
    - each LED (3) is allocated to one of the k groups such that each of the k groups contains mj light emitting diodes, where 1 ≤ j k and j = 1 k m j = n
    Figure imgb0006
    ,
    - the determined activation times and/or deactivation times of the impulses of each individual group is determined by the controlling and/or regulating unit in such a way that the impulses overlap as little as possible,
    a luminance of each individual light-emitting diode mj (3) of one of the k groups is controllable by setting a pulse width of the impulse between 0-100% of a clock cycle and by means of the controlling and/or regulating unit (9)
    - it can be or has been determined which impulses have a pulse width = 100%, where the activation time and the deactivation time for each of these impulses can be set to the beginning or the end of a clock cycle,
    - it can be or has been determined which impulses have a pulse width of <100%,
    - impulses with pulse widths <100% can be combined to sum impulses, as long as the sum of the pulse widths <= 100%,
    characterized in that
    - by means of the controlling and/or regulating unit the activation time and/or deactivation time of the impulse for each light-emitting diode (3) in each group can be or has been determined in such a way that the sum impulse is in the middle of a clock cycle.
  2. Control and regulating unit (9) in accordance with Claim 1,
    characterized in that
    a luminance of each individual light-emitting diode mj (3) of the k groups is controllable by setting an amplitude of the impulse.
  3. Control and regulating unit (9) in accordance with Claim 1 through 2,
    characterized in that
    the activation and/or deactivation time of the impulse for each light-emitting diode mj (3) of a group can be determined as a factor of the pulse width and/or of the amplitude of the impulse.
  4. Control and regulating unit (9) in accordance with Claim 1 through 3,
    characterized in that
    the determined activation times and/or deactivation times of the impulses are within a specified clock cycle.
  5. Controlling and/or regulating unit (9) in accordance with one of Claims 1 through 4,
    characterized in that
    the number of groups amounts to 2 ≤ kn and the beginning of a clock cycle for each group can be actuated with a delay of a period of Δt2 -Δtk.
  6. Control and/or regulating unit (9) in accordance with Claim 5,
    characterized in that
    the period Δt can be determined according to the formula Δt= clock cycle /k.
  7. Circuit arrangement (6) for controlling and/or regulating an LED field (7), featuring
    - a controlling and/or regulating unit (9) in accordance with Claims 1 through 6,
    - a power source (8),
    - an LED field (7),
    where the LED field (7) comprises at least two series connections (1, 2), which each comprise at least one light-emitting diode (3) and a controllable switching element (5) allocated to the light-emitting diode (3), where a control connector of each controllable switching element (5) is connected to an output (10) of the controlling and/or regulating unit (9).
  8. Circuit arrangement (6) in accordance with Claim 7,
    characterized in that
    the power source (8) can be regulated by the controlling and/or regulating unit (9) in such a way that the power corresponds to the power requirements of the light emitting diodes (3), whose allocated controllable switch elements (5) are closed.
  9. Circuit arrangement (6), in accordance with Claim 7 through 8,
    characterized in that
    the LED field (7) is divided into 2 ≤ kn groups.
  10. Method for operating a circuit arrangement (6) with the features of Claims 7 through 9,
    where the method features at least the following steps:
    - the controlling and/or regulating unit (9) checks which impulses have a pulse width = 100%,
    - the activation time and the deactivation time for each of these impulses is set at the beginning or the end of a clock cycle,
    - the controlling and/or regulating unit (9) checks which impulses have a pulse width <100%,
    - impulses with pulse widths <100% can be combined to sum impulses, as long as the sum of the pulse widths <= 100%,
    - the controlling and/or regulating unit (9) determines the activation time and/or deactivation time of the impulse for each light-emitting diode (3) in each group in such a way that the sum impulse is in the middle of a clock cycle,
    - the controlling and/or regulating unit (9) actuates the controllable switch elements (5) for the determined activation time and/or deactivation time of the impulses for closing or opening.
  11. Method for operating a circuit arrangement (6) with the features of Claims 7 through 9, in particular for performance prior to performance of the method in accordance with Claim 10,
    where the method features at least the following steps:
    - the controlling and/or regulating unit (9) determines the impulse widths for each light-emitting diode (3) in a group or the impulse widths are transferred to the controlling and/or regulating unit (9),
    - the controlling and/or regulating unit (9) determines the largest impulse width,
    - the largest impulse width is compared to the clock cycle,
    - if the largest impulse width is shorter than the clock cycle, a factor is calculated that expands this impulse width to 100% of the clock cycle,
    - all further impulse widths of the impulses for each light-emitting diode (3) in a group are expanded by the same factor,
    - the power requirements of each impulse is multiplied by the reciprocal of the factor.
EP20705962.7A 2019-03-08 2020-02-18 Control and/or regulating means, circuit assembly, and method for actuating light-emitting diodes in a light-emitting diode field Active EP3935921B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE102019105953.4A DE102019105953A1 (en) 2019-03-08 2019-03-08 Control and / or regulating means, circuit arrangement and method for controlling light emitting diodes in a light emitting diode field
PCT/EP2020/054219 WO2020182427A1 (en) 2019-03-08 2020-02-18 Control and/or regulating means, circuit assembly, and method for actuating light-emitting diodes in a light-emitting diode field

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CN113557796A (en) 2021-10-26
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US12052803B2 (en) 2024-07-30
EP3935921A1 (en) 2022-01-12

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