阅读说明：本技术 用于调节电压调节器的输出电压的方法和装置 (Method and apparatus for regulating output voltage of voltage regulator ) 是由 卡斯滕·莱特内尔 安德烈·克里格 克里斯蒂安·施米茨 托马斯·盖斯特 于 2020-05-20 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及用于向多个LED组(LED-(1)、LED-(2)、LED-(3))供电的装置和方法。该装置包括电压调节器(VREG)、电路(IC1、IC2)、电压-电流转换器(VC-C)、控制总线(RB)、电阻器(R-(GPIO))和电阻器网络(R-(1)、R-(2))。每个电路(IC1、IC2)具有至少一个LED端子(LED0、LED1)和相应的LED驱动器(LED DRV)。每个电路(IC1、IC2)具有用于检测LED端子(LED0、LED1)的电位与参考电位(GND)之间的电压差的测量装置(ADC)以及本地控制器(VR),该本地控制器通过LED驱动器(LED DRV),根据通过其测量装置(ADC)检测的电压差从控制总线(RB)中提取电流。一个或多个偏置电流源(IQ)将一个或多个偏置电流(I-(Bias))以馈入的偏置电流(I-(Bias))的总电流的形式馈入到控制总线(RB)中。电阻器(R-(GPIO))执行总电流(I-(S))到控制电压(V-(R))的电流-电压转换。电压-电流转换器(VC-C)将控制电压(V-(R))转换为电压控制信号(VCTR)的电流。电阻器网络(R-(1)、R-(2))将电压控制信号(VCTR)的电流转换为电压值(V-(ADJ))。电压调节器(VREG)的输出电压(V-(0))则取决于电压值(V-(ADJ))。(The invention relates to a method for assembling a plurality of LED groups (LEDs) 1 、LED 2 、LED 3 ) An apparatus and method for supplying power. The device comprises a Voltage Regulator (VREG), a circuit (IC1, IC2), a voltage-current converter (VC-C), a control bus (RB), a resistor (R) GPIO ) And a resistor network (R) 1 、R 2 ). Each circuit (IC1, IC2) has at least one LED terminal (LED0, LED1) and a corresponding LED driver (LED DRV). Each circuit (IC1, IC2) has a measuring device (ADC) for detecting the voltage difference between the potential of the LED terminals (LED0, LED1) and a reference potential (GND), and a local controller (VR) which, by means of an LED driver (LED DRV), is dependent on the reference potential (GND)The voltage difference detected by its measuring device (ADC) draws a current from the control bus (RB). One or more bias current sources (IQ) apply one or more bias currents (I) Bias ) With a bias current (I) fed in Bias ) Is fed into the control bus (RB). Resistor (R) GPIO ) Executing a total current (I) S ) To a control voltage (V) R ) Current-voltage conversion. The voltage-current converter (VC-C) will control the voltage (V) R ) A current converted to a voltage control signal (VCTR). Resistor network (R) 1 、R 2 ) Converting a current of a voltage control signal (VCTR) into a voltage value (V) ADJ ). Output voltage (V) of Voltage Regulator (VREG) 0 ) Then depends on the voltage value (V) ADJ )。)

1. Output terminal (V) for regulating Voltage Regulator (VREG)_out) Output voltage (V) of₀) For supplying power to a lighting device comprising a plurality of but at least two circuits (IC1, IC2), referred to below as a first circuit (IC1) and a second circuit (IC2),

wherein each of the at least two circuits (IC1, IC2) is capable of routing to at least one LED group (L)ED₁、LED₂、LED₃) A power supply, said power supply being made by a current source associated with said LED group, said current source being in the form of an LED driver (LED DRV),

the method comprises the following steps

-at its output (V) through said Voltage Regulator (VREG)_out) To generate the output voltage (V)₀)；

-setting a current through said at least one LED group (LED DRV) by said current source (LED DRV) of said first circuit (IC1)₁、LED₂) Current (I) of the LED group_LED1、I_LED2) The current source for the first circuit being set and the LED group (LED)₁、LED₂) Correlation;

-setting a current through said at least one LED group (LED DRV) by said current source (LED DRV) of said second circuit (IC2)₃) Current (I) of the LED group_LED3) The current source of the second circuit for setting and the LED group (LED)₃) Correlation;

-if necessary, setting the LED group current flowing through said at least one LED group by said current source (LED DRV) of a possible further circuit, said current source for said possible further circuit being set in relation to that LED group;

-detecting said at least one LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) As a respective voltage drop value for the respective current source (LED DRV) within the respective circuit (IC1, IC2), wherein a separate voltage drop value is determined for each current source (LED DRV);

-selecting, from the voltage drop values of the current sources (LED DRV) of each circuit (IC1, IC2), a respective voltage drop value of one current source (LED DRV) of the respective circuit (IC1, IC2) as a characteristic voltage drop value of the respective circuit (IC1, IC 2);

-extracting from the control bus (RB) by each of said circuits (IC1, IC2) a respective extraction current of the respective circuit (IC1, IC2),

wherein the amount of the respective extraction current of the respective circuit (IC1, IC2) depends on the deviation of its characteristic voltage drop value from a set value, and

wherein all extraction currents and at least one optional constant bias current (I)_Bias) Added to the total current (I)_S) (ii) a And is

-according to said total current (I)_S) To regulate said Voltage Regulator (VREG) at its output (V)_out) The output voltage (V) of₀)。

2. For grouping a plurality of, but at least two, LEDs (LEDs)_1a、LED_1b、LED₂) A device for supplying power, comprising:

-a Voltage Regulator (VREG);

-at least two circuits (IC1, IC 2);

-a voltage-current converter (VC-C);

-a control bus (RB);

-a resistor (R)_GPIO) (ii) a And

-a resistor network (R)₁、R₂)，

-wherein each of the circuits (IC1, IC2) has a circuit for at least one LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) And (ii) at least one LED terminal (LED0, LED1), and

-wherein each of the circuits (IC1, IC2) is for each LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) Having at least one LED driver (LED DRV) for communicating with the LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) The associated LED terminals (LED0, LED1) are directed towards the LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) Supply power to, and

-wherein each of the circuits (IC1, IC2) has at least one measuring device (ADC) of the circuit (IC1, IC2) for detecting a voltage difference between a potential of the LED terminal (LED0, LED1) of the circuit (IC1, IC2) and a reference potential (GND), and

-wherein each of said circuits (IC1, IC2) has a local controller (VR) which draws a current from said control bus (RB) through at least one Driver (DRV) and according to said voltage difference detected by its measuring means (ADC), and

-wherein one or more bias current sources (IQ) couple one or more bias currents (I)_Bias) With a bias current (I) fed in_Bias) Total current (I) of_s) Is fed into the control bus (RB), and

-wherein the resistor (R)_GPIO) Executing the total current (I)_s) To a control voltage (V)_R) Current-to-voltage conversion of, and

-wherein the voltage-to-current converter (VC-C) converts the control voltage (V)_R) Current converted into a voltage control signal (VCTR), and

-wherein the resistor network (R)₁、R₂) Converting the current of the voltage control signal (VCTR) into a voltage value (V)_ADJ) And is and

-wherein the output voltage (V) of the Voltage Regulator (VREG)₀) Depending on the voltage value (V)_ADJ)。

3. For grouping a plurality of, but at least two, LEDs (LEDs)₁、LED₂、LED₃) A device for supplying power, comprising:

-a voltage controlled Voltage Regulator (VREG);

-at least two circuits (IC1, IC 2);

-a control bus (RB); and

-a resistor (R)_GPIO)，

-wherein each of the circuits (IC1, IC2) has a circuit for at least one LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) And (ii) at least one LED terminal (LED0, LED1), and

-wherein each of the circuits (IC1, IC2) is for each LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) Having at least one LED driver (LED DRV) for communicating with the LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) The associated LED terminals (LED0, LED1) are directed towardsThe LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) Supply power to, and

-wherein each of the circuits (IC1, IC2) has at least one measuring device (ADC) of the circuit (IC1, IC2) for detecting a voltage difference between a potential of the LED terminal (LED0, LED1) of the circuit (IC1, IC2) and a reference potential (GND), and

-wherein each of said circuits (IC1, IC2) has a local controller (VR) which draws a current from said control bus (RB) through at least one Driver (DRV) and according to said voltage difference detected by its measuring means (ADC), and

-wherein one or more bias current sources (IQ) couple one or more bias currents (I)_Bias) With a bias current (I) fed in_Bias) Total current (I) of_s) Is fed into the control bus (RB), and

-wherein the resistor (R)_GPIO) Executing the total current (I)_s) To a control voltage (V)_R) Current-to-voltage conversion of, and

-wherein the output voltage (V) of the Voltage Regulator (VREG)₀) Depending on the control voltage (V)_R) The value of (c).

4. For grouping a plurality of, but at least two, LEDs (LEDs)₁、LED₂、LED₃) A device for supplying power, comprising:

-a Voltage Regulator (VREG) of the current-controlled type;

-at least two circuits (IC1, IC 2); and

-a control bus (RB),

-wherein each of the circuits (IC1, IC2) has a circuit for at least one LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) And (ii) at least one LED terminal (LED0, LED1), and

-wherein each of the circuits (IC1, IC2) is for each LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) Having at least one LED driver (LED DRV) for passingAnd the LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) The associated LED terminals (LED0, LED1) are directed towards the LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) Supply power to, and

-wherein each of the circuits (IC1, IC2) has at least one measuring device (ADC) of the circuit (IC1, IC2) for detecting a voltage difference between a potential of the LED terminal (LED0, LED1) of the circuit (IC1, IC2) and a reference potential (GND), and

-wherein the circuit (IC1, IC2) has a local controller (VR) which draws current from the control bus (RB) through at least one Driver (DRV) and from the voltage difference detected by its measuring means (ADC), and

-wherein one or more bias current sources (IQ) couple one or more bias currents (I)_Bias) With a bias current (I) fed in_Bias) Total current (I) of_s) Is fed into the control bus (RB), and

-wherein the resistor (R)_GPIO) Executing the total current (I)_s) To a control voltage (V)_R) Current-to-voltage conversion of, and

-wherein the output voltage (V) of the Voltage Regulator (VREG)₀) Depending on the total current (I)_s) The value of (c).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a method for regulating the output (V) of a Voltage Regulator (VREG)_out) Output voltage (V) of₀) For supplying power to a lighting device having a plurality of but at least two circuits (IC1, IC2), each circuit (IC1, IC2) having at least one LED group (LED) and related apparatus₁、LED₂、LED₃) The LED group has an associated LED current source (LED DRV).

LEDs are understood here as light-emitting diodes. An LED group, which may be an interconnection of a plurality of LEDs formed in parallel and/or in series, has a first terminal and a second terminal and emits light when a voltage is applied between the first terminal and the second terminal with the correct polarity.

Background

LED lighting is increasingly used in the automotive industry. The problem here is that not all LEDs have the same threshold voltage, but all LEDs are powered by a voltage source. The brightness of the LEDs is typically set by the respective power supply. These power supplies reduce the electrical power that must be minimized. The voltage source is preferably an energetically favorable switching converter, which accordingly generates only little waste heat. The problem now arises of how a plurality of circuits, each usually having a plurality of LED current sources, can effectively and easily regulate the voltage source.

Prior Art

For example, the following documents in the technical field of the present invention are known in the prior art:

a drive device for a color backlight is known from DE 102006055312 a 1. Here, each LED string is provided with one voltage source and one current source in a complex manner to circumvent the problem of combination control.

DE 10318780 a1 discloses a control circuit for generating a regulated or controlled constant current flowing through each consumer (e.g. LED) with a common supply voltage of adjustable magnitude, which supplies the respective constant current source, respectively. The teaching of DE 10318780 a1 is characterized in that the magnitude of the supply voltage is respectively adjusted to a constant current source which usually or at a corresponding point in time feeds the greatest total impedance and thus requires the greatest supply voltage. The amount of the supply voltage is set to a minimum here, so that the amount of voltage present at one of the power supplies is just sufficient for its operation. The regulation of the plurality of LED branches is effected here by means of a diode selection control for selecting a minimum voltage of the power supply.

An electronic device for controlling a light emitting semiconductor device is known from US 8319449B 2. The apparatus of US 8319449B 2 comprises: a feedback terminal configured and arranged to receive the detection value; an output port configured and arranged for supplying power to the light emitting device in response to a current source; and a control circuit electrically decoupled or isolated from the light emitting semiconductor device, the control circuit being configured and arranged such that it controls the switched mode power supply through the output port in response to a detection value received by the controller to supply power to the semiconductor light emitting device, the current flowing through the semiconductor light emitting device being determined through a feedback terminal indicative of the voltage across the current source, wherein the switched mode power supply is controlled in such a way that the voltage across the current source is maintained at a minimum level required for operation of the apparatus. The circuit selects the minimum current source voltage as the control voltage for the voltage source.

An LED driver circuit for controlling an LED light source is known from US 2010/0026209 a 1. The LED driver circuit of US 2010/0026209 a1 comprises a regulator coupled to the LED light source to provide an output voltage thereto, a current source coupled to the LED light source to control a drive current thereof, and a controller coupled to the current source and the regulator and adapted to sense a voltage of the current source to generate a control signal of the regulator for regulating the output voltage. The technique of US 2010/0026209 a1 suggests no solution to the problem of how multiple controllers can be easily coupled to each other.

A driving device for a light emitting element is known from US 7157866B 2. According to the technical teaching of US 7,157,866B 2, it comprises: a booster circuit for boosting a given power supply voltage to generate a required boosted voltage at an output terminal of the booster circuit; a voltage switching circuit for selectively outputting the power supply voltage or the boosted voltage to a switching voltage output terminal of the voltage switching circuit; a first driver connected in series with the first light emitting element group and connected between the switched voltage output terminal and a reference voltage node, wherein the first driver is controlled by a first command signal; and a second driver connected in series with the second light emitting element group generating a voltage drop larger than the first group and connected between an output terminal of the boosted voltage output and a reference voltage node, wherein the second driver is controlled by a second command signal. The technique of US 7157866B 2 suggests no solution to the problem of how multiple controllers can be easily coupled to each other.

A load driving apparatus or device for driving a plurality of loads, wherein each load is connected in series with a respective constant current source, is known from EP 1499165B 1, wherein the load driving device comprises a power supply circuit (100) which provides the plurality of loads with an output voltage which is obtained by converting an input voltage into an output voltage. The technical teaching of EP 1499165B 1 is characterized in that the constant current sources (110, 20) are of the adjustable type and each constant current source (110, 20) is capable of providing an adjustable constant output current for the respective load (10, 20); and controlling the output voltage (Vol) such that a lowest voltage of the voltages (Vdet1, Vdet2) at the common node between each of the plurality of loads and its respective constant current source (110, 120) is kept constant. The solution of EP 1499165B 1 is similar to one of the above solutions. The technical teaching of EP 1499165B 1 also does not solve the problem of how a plurality of controllers can be easily coupled to each other. The voltage signal makes this solution very susceptible to EMC signals and potential deviations (postzialelsatz).

A control device for at least one series connection of a plurality of light-emitting diodes is known from US 8519632B 2. The control device according to the teaching of US 8519632B 2 comprises a voltage regulating unit arranged to regulate an operating voltage for at least one series connection of light emitting diodes and a current regulating unit for each of the at least one series connection of light emitting diodes, wherein the current regulating unit is arranged to regulate the current through the specific series connection of light emitting diodes and wherein the current regulating unit is connected to the voltage regulating unit for transmitting a current regulating signal to the voltage regulating unit. The voltage regulating unit comprises a voltage divider, wherein the voltage divider is connected between an operating voltage of at least one series connection of the light emitting diodes and ground, the voltage regulating unit providing the operating voltage. The tap of the voltage divider and the input of the first control stage are connected to the output of the second control stage such that the voltage at the tap of the voltage divider is reduced if the current control signal exceeds a predetermined voltage. The teaching of US 8519632B 2 also uses voltage signals selected by diodes (reference numerals 51, 52, 53 of US 8519632B 2). The voltage signal makes the solution very susceptible to EMC signals and potential deviations.

A current source device is known from DE 102005028403B 4, in which a voltage regulator is informed via a voltage signal via a control bus of the fact that: the voltage in one of the current sources powering the LED string has dropped below the lowest voltage drop. This solution is very susceptible to EMC signals and potential deviations due to the voltage signal.

A solution is known from WO 2013/030047 a1, in which each current source transmits a voltage signal corresponding to the voltage drop across the current source in analog to a central unit and here in the form of a voltage control signal to control a common power supply. The solution is very susceptible to EMC signals and potential deviations due to the voltage signal.

From US 2008/0122383 a1 there is known an LED driver for feeding current to an LED circuit, the LED driver being composed of an individual LED or a plurality of LEDs connected in series with each other, wherein the LED driver includes a constant current circuit part connected in series to the LED circuit and regulating a current flowing from an upstream side thereof to a downstream side thereof to a predetermined value, and a voltage setting part connected in series to the constant current circuit part, wherein the voltage setting part regulates a potential difference between the upstream side and the downstream side by a switching controller. The technical teaching of US 2008/0122383 a1 also does not solve the problem of how a plurality of controllers can be easily coupled to each other.

Solutions are known from US 2011/0043114 a1, US 2007/0139317 a1, US 2009/0230874 a1, US 2012/0268012 a1, EP 2600695B 1 and US 2011/0012521 a1, in which each current source transmits a voltage signal corresponding to the voltage drop across the current source in analog form to a central unit and here in the form of a voltage control signal to control a common power supply. The solution is very susceptible to EMC signals and potential deviations due to the voltage signal.

A solution is known from US 2010/0201278 a1, in which the controllers are connected in a loop. Each controller determines the voltage value of the voltage drop by its LED current source and compares the minimum of these voltage values with the voltage value at the voltage value input. If the own minimum voltage value is smaller than the voltage value at the voltage value input terminal, the corresponding controller provides its minimum voltage value to the voltage value input terminal of the subsequent controller. If the minimum voltage value of itself is greater than the voltage value at the voltage value input, the respective controller provides the voltage value at the voltage value input to the voltage value input of the subsequent controller. The solution is very susceptible to EMC signals and potential deviations due to the voltage signal.

US 2011/0012521 a1 requires that the reference values are transmitted over a plurality of lines (reference numerals Vf1 to Vfi, Vfi +1 to Vf2i, Vf2i +1 to Vf3i in fig. 1 of US 2011/0012521 a 1). This results in considerable wiring work and considerable control work. In the teaching of US 2011/0012521 a1, the evaluation is performed by a microcomputer, which results in the need for an analog-to-digital converter and a PWM unit for digital-to-analog conversion.

US 2010/0201278 a1 discloses a method and apparatus for regulating an output voltage. In the teaching of US 2010/0201278 a1, each LED driver determines for itself a minimum voltage value for the voltage drop across its LED current source, compares this voltage drop value with the previous voltage value in the chain, and passes the minimum of these two voltage values on to the next following one. Thus, in the event of a drive failure, a complete failure of the control system will result.

Disclosure of Invention

Task

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution which does not have the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and which has other advantages.

This object is achieved by an apparatus according to claim 2 and/or 3 or a method according to claim 1.

Detailed Description

Solution scheme

The invention relates to a voltage regulator for lighting and/or optical signal devices according to fig. 1.

The voltage regulation is preferably carried out as shown in fig. 1. The invention will be explained with reference to fig. 1. The core of the invention is the current control type voltage regulationNode comprising a voltage regulator part (VREG) of the actual voltage control type as is well known in the patent literature, and a peripheral circuit (R)₁、R₂、VC-C、R_GPIO)。

The proposed device comprises a plurality of but at least two circuits (IC1, IC 2). Hereinafter, these circuits (IC1, IC2) are also referred to as "ICs".

By means of the current sources (IQ) associated with the respective ICs (IC1, IC2), the respective ICs (IC1, IC2) will only have substantially equal bias currents (I) through their respective control bus terminals (GPIO)_Bias) Fed to the control bus (RB). "substantially" means that the bias current (I) is set, for example, at the time of factory shipment_Bias) Such that it does not deviate more than 25%, preferably more than 10%, preferably more than 5%, preferably more than 2% between different ICs in a group of ICs. Experience has shown that a deviation of 10% is possible for very many applications without impairing the operability. However, it is proposed here to implement these currents as precisely as possible. By a bias current (I) fed from all circuits (IC) connected to the control bus (RB)_Bias) Total current (I) obtained by summing the currents of_S) Through a resistor (R)_GPIO) And (4) grounding. The bias current (I) is fed by all circuits (IC) connected to the control bus (RB)_Bias) Control voltage (V) generated by the sum of currents of_R) Amplified into a control signal (RS) by an amplifier (OP 1). An output of the amplifier (OP1) in the form of a control signal (RS) is connected to a control input of the first transistor (T1). The first transistor (T1) is connected as a source follower. The negative feedback resistor of the source follower is a third resistor (R)₃). Thus, the voltage (V) is controlled_R) Determines the current flowing through the negative feedback resistor (R)₃) The current of (2). The current is the value of the voltage control signal (VCTR). The current of the voltage control signal (VCTR) also flows through a first resistor (R)₁) And a second resistor (R)₂) First resistor (R) in the voltage divider₁) Because of the resistors (R)₁、R₂) In contrast, the input of the Voltage Regulator (VREG) is preferably high resistance. Therefore, the output of the Voltage Regulator (VREG)The resistance is usually negligible here. Here, a second resistor (R)₂) Another current is directed to ground (i.e., reference potential (GND)). By flowing through a negative feedback resistor (third resistor (R)₃) A current sum flowing through the second resistor (R)₂) The total current obtained by the current (R) also flows through the first resistor (R)₁). The potential difference at the input (ADJ) of the Voltage Regulator (VREG) relative to the reference potential (GND) is therefore dependent on the voltage regulator output (V) of the Voltage Regulator (VREG)_out) Minus the first resistor (R) of the output potential of₁) The voltage drop over the voltage. The Voltage Regulator (VREG) provides an output voltage (V) relative to ground potential_out) The output voltage is dependent on the input voltage difference, i.e. on the potential at the input (ADJ) of the Voltage Regulator (VREG) relative to the reference potential (GND). The nature of the Voltage Regulator (VREG) may remain open here. For example, it may be a linear regulator and/or a switching regulator. The output voltage (V)_out) Is an LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) LED (LED)₁、LED₂、LED_3a、LED_3b) And (5) supplying power. Unlike the examples in the figures, the chain of circuits (IC1, IC2) for powering a plurality of LED groups may comprise more than one and/or more than two and/or more than three or even more circuits (IC1, IC2) and/or more than one LED group for each of these circuits (IC1, IC 2). In this sense, groups of LEDs (LEDs)₁、LED₂、LED₃) In this case, it can be composed of a single LED, but also of an interconnection, in particular of a parallel and/or series connection of a plurality of LEDs. Thus, in the following, even if the term "LED" is used in the singular, the term includes such interconnection of a plurality of LEDs to form a LED group. In the case of multiple LED interconnections, similar interconnections are clearly more suitable for driving through different circuits (IC1, IC 2). Through each LED group or LED (LED)₁、LED₂、LED_3a、LED_3b) Respectively, through the LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) Is controlled by associated respective current sources, which are respective LED drivers of the circuit (IC1, IC2)An actuator (LED DRV). The current source, i.e. the LED driver (LED DRV), is preferably part of the respective circuit (IC1, IC 2). The circuit (IC1, IC2) may include a plurality of such current sources (LED drivers (LED DRV)) to supply power to a plurality of LED groups. Each LED group (LED) powered by an LED driver (LED DRV) of the circuit (IC1, IC2)₁、LED₂、LED₃) The voltage drop is detected by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) of the associated circuit (IC1, IC2) as a potential of the respective LED terminal (LED0, LED1) of the respective circuit (IC1, IC2) relative to a reference potential (GND). To this end, the analog-to-digital converters (ADC) of the associated circuits (IC1, IC2) preferably each have a multiplexer in order to be able to time-multiplex the different LED groups (LED DRV) supplied by the LED drivers (LED DRV) of the circuits (IC1, IC2) in a time-multiplexed manner₁、LED₂、LED₃) To switch between. Thus, such a circuit (IC1, IC2) can be arranged and designed to switch n LED groups (LED) via n LED terminals (LED0 to LED (n-l)) of the circuit (IC1, IC2) to n LED groups (LED) via n LED drivers (LED DRV) of the circuit (IC1, IC2)₁To the LED_n) And supplying power, wherein n is a positive integer. However, it is conceivable here to lead the connection node to the outside via a large number of terminals. In the sense of the present text, the terminals of the circuit which are short-circuited to one another in this way are considered to be individual terminals, since the electrical function is decisive here and not mechanically realized. In the example of fig. 1, n is 3. Therefore, in the following, the footnote "n" with respect to fig. 1 is to be understood as carrying the footnote "3". As already explained, n LED groups (LEDs)₁To the LED_n) May consist of a single LED (LED)₁、LED₂) Composed of, but also consisting of, a plurality of LEDs (LEDs)_3a、LED_3b) Interconnection of (2) (LED)₃) And (4) forming. For n LED groups (LEDs)₁To the LED_n) Is an input value of a respective local controller (VR) of a respective circuit (IC1, IC 2). Thus, the local controller (VR) receives n voltage values for n potentials with respect to the reference potential (GND) of n LED terminals (LED1, LED0) of the circuit (IC1, IC 2). The local controller (VR) operates according to an algorithm, for example by means of n LED groups (LEDs) for the circuits (IC1, IC2)₁To the LED_n) N of (A) to (B)The potential at the terminals of the individual LEDs with respect to the reference potential (GND) selects as a local control value the smallest voltage value among the n potential differences between the n measured values of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) from the control deviation of these voltage drops of the respective current source (LED DRV) of the individual LED groups, i.e. for the n LED groups (LED) of the circuit (IC1, IC2)_iTo the LED_n) Generates an internal control signal (R) from n potential differences between the n measurements of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with respect to a potential at the n LED terminals with respect to a reference potential (GND)_i)。

Part of the local controllers (VR) of the circuits (IC1, IC2) are respectively digital-to-analog converters of the circuits, which digital-to-analog converters control at least one Driver (DRV) which may also be part of the digital-to-analog converters (IC1, IC2) of the circuits (IC1, IC 2). The local controller (VR) of the circuit (IC1, IC2) is now designed in the following way: if the minimum voltage drop determined for the respective circuit (IC1, IC2) among all voltage drops across the respective current source (LED DRV) of the circuit (IC1, IC2) between the relevant LED terminal (LED0, LED1) and the reference potential is too low (i.e. its absolute value is below a predetermined threshold), the respective Driver (DRV) or Drivers (DRV) of this circuit (IC1, IC2) now respectively draw an additional, respective current from the control bus (RB). The diode (D) prevents the Driver (DRV) from feeding current into the control bus (RB) and allows only current to be drawn from the control bus (RB).

The various current sources (IQ) and Drivers (DRV) of the different bus components (circuits (IC1, IC2)) run on a common control bus (RB).

The control bus (RB) preferably always has the lowest voltage with respect to the reference potential (GND).

The lowest output voltage of the Driver (DRV) having the lowest output potential always determines the voltage on the control bus (RB) relative to the reference potential when the potential shifts.

For time-continuous control, the sampling period of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) sampling the LED terminals (LED0, LED1) of the circuits (IC1, IC2) needs to be chosen to be significantly smaller than the control time constant of the subsequent control loop to keep the resulting small control error. For this purpose, forWill total current (I)_S) Resistor (R) for converting into voltage_GPIO) May be replaced by a more complex network of complex components such as resistors, capacitors and coils. In the example of fig. 1, an exemplary integrating capacitor (C) is optionally provided_GPIO) To increase the time constant and thus reduce the quantization error.

Features of the invention

The core of the invention is therefore an output (V) for a Voltage Regulator (VREG)_out) Output voltage (V) of₀) For supplying power to a lighting device having a plurality of but at least two circuits (IC1, IC2), each circuit (IC1, IC2) comprising at least one LED group (LED DRV) with an associated current source (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃). The method as illustrated in the exemplary apparatus of fig. 1 comprises at least the following steps, among others:

first, by means of a Voltage Regulator (VREG) at its output (V)_out) To generate a supply voltage (V)₀)。

Second, for each LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) The current through the LED group (LED) is set by a current source (LED DRV)₁、LED₂、LED₃) Of the corresponding LED group current (I)_LED1、I_LED2、I_LED3). In the example of FIG. 1, groups of LEDs (LEDs)₁、LED₂、LED₃) Distributed over two circuits (IC1, IC 2). Devices having more than two circuits and more than three LED groups are expressly included in the claims and are considered to be disclosed herein.

Thirdly, the respective voltage drop across the respective current source (LED DRV) of the LED group (LED1, LED2, LED3) is detected as the respective voltage drop value of the current source (LED DRV). Preferably, this is done in each circuit (IC1, IC2), preferably for each current source (LED DRV).

Fourth, in each circuit (IC1, IC2) preferably, the voltage drop value of the voltage drop values of the current source (LED DRV) of the circuit is selected from the voltage drop values determined for the circuit as the characteristic voltage drop value of the circuit. Therefore, it is preferable to obtain one characteristic voltage drop value for each circuit. It is performed in such a way that the respective voltage drop value of the current source (LED DRV) of each circuit (IC1, IC2) is determined from the voltage drop values of the current sources (LED DRV) of the respective circuit (IC1, IC2) as the characteristic voltage drop value of the circuit (IC1, IC 2). Preferably, the characteristic voltage drop value of the circuit (IC1, IC2) is the smallest voltage drop value of the determined voltage drop values of the circuit (IC1, IC 2).

Fifth, each circuit (IC1, IC2) draws its associated current (i.e., its drawn current) from the control bus (RB). This means that each circuit (IC1, IC2) draws from the control bus (RB) the respective draw current of the respective circuit (IC1, IC 2). In this case, the amount of the respective current drawn by the respective circuit (IC1, IC2) is to be determined by the deviation of its characteristic voltage drop from a nominal value. The setpoint value is preferably common to all circuits, so that the same setpoint value is selected or set for all circuits (IC1, IC2) within the tolerance range.

Preferably, each circuit (IC1, IC2) separately provides a substantially constant bias current (I)_Bias) Fed into a control bus (RB). However, a single feed is generally sufficient for normal operation. In theory, solutions with higher circuit costs without bias current feed can also be considered, but are not preferred here.

All the currents and at least one optional constant bias current (I) are drawn by feeding a current to a control bus (RB)_Bias) Added to the total current (I)_S). The generation of such a common total current and its subsequent application as a control signal, which is easy and can be realized simply and at low cost, represents the core of the present invention. Then, according to the total current (I)_s) The Voltage Regulator (VREG) being regulated at its output (V)_out) The output voltage (Vo). In the example of fig. 1, a plurality of current-to-voltage and voltage-to-current conversions are performed for circuit-technical reasons. In theory, however, if the voltage regulator has a current input for adjusting its reference value, it can be considered to control the voltage regulator directly with this current signal. However, in the example of fig. 1, the Voltage Regulator (VREG) has a voltage input.

Thus, for directing a plurality of but at least two groups of LEDs (LEDs)₁、LED₂、LED₃) The respective device for supplying power preferably comprises a Voltage Regulator (VREG), at least two circuits (IC1, IC2), a voltage-current converter (VC-C), a control bus (RB), a resistor (R)_GPIO) And a resistor network (R)₁、R₂). Each circuit (IC1, IC2) preferably comprises: for at least one LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) At least one LED terminal (LED0, LED 1); each LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、ED₃) Is used for passing through the LED group (LED) of the LED driver (LED DRV)₁、LED₂、LED₃) The associated LED terminals (LED0, LED1) are directed towards the LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) Supplying power; and at least one measuring device (ADC) of the circuit (IC1, IC2) for detecting a voltage difference between a potential of the LED terminal (LED0, LED1) of the circuit (IC1, IC2) and a reference potential (GND). Furthermore, each circuit (IC1, IC2) has a local controller (VR) which draws a current from the control bus (RB) by means of at least one Driver (DRV) as a function of the voltage difference detected by its measuring means (ADC). One or more bias current sources (IQ) to be fed with a bias current (I)_Bias) One or more bias currents (I) in the form of a total current_Bias) Is fed to the control bus (RB) in order to set the operating point correctly. Here, the resistor (R)_GPIO) Executing a total current (I)_S) To a control voltage (V)_R) Current-voltage conversion. The voltage-current converter (VC-C) will control the voltage (V)_R) A current converted to a voltage control signal (VCTR). Resistor network (R)₁、R₂) Converting a current of a voltage control signal (VCTR) into a voltage value (V)_ADJ). Output voltage (V) of Voltage Regulator (VREG)₀) Dependent on the voltage value (V)_ADJ) And thus the control loop is closed. Preferably, the correlation is linear.

The control chain of fig. 1 can be shortened considerably.

Thus, simplified in a first step for directing a plurality of but at least two LED groups (LEDs)₁、LED₂、LED₃) The respective device for supplying power preferably comprises a Voltage Regulator (VREG), at least two circuits (IC1, IC2), a control bus (RB) and a resistor (R)_GPIO). Each circuit (IC1, IC2) preferably comprises: for at least one LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) At least one LED terminal (LED0, LED 1); each LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、ED₃) Is used for passing through the LED group (LED) of the LED driver (LED DRV)₁、LED₂、LED₃) The associated LED terminals (LED0, LED1) are directed towards the LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) Supplying power; and at least one measuring device (ADC) of the circuit (IC1, IC2) for detecting a voltage difference between a potential of the LED terminal (LED0, LED1) of the circuit (IC1, IC2) and a reference potential (GND). Furthermore, each circuit (IC1, IC2) has a local controller (VR) which draws a current from the control bus (RB) by means of at least one Driver (DRV) as a function of the voltage difference detected by its measuring means (ADC). One or more bias current sources (IQ) to be fed with a bias current (I)_Bias) One or more bias currents (I) in the form of a total current_Bias) Is fed to the control bus (RB) in order to set the operating point correctly. Here, the resistor (R)_GPIO) Executing a total current (I)_S) To a control voltage (V)_R) Current-voltage conversion. Output voltage (V) of Voltage Regulator (VREG)₀) Dependent on the control voltage (V)_R) And thus the control loop is closed. Preferably, the correlation is linear.

The control chain can be further shortened.

Thus, simplified in the second step for directing a plurality of but at least two LED groups (LEDs)₁、LED₂、LED₃) The respective device supplying power preferably comprises a Voltage Regulator (VREG), at least two circuits (IC1, IC2), and a control bus (RB). Each circuit (IC1, IC2) preferably comprises: for at least one LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) At least one LED terminal (LED0, LED 1); each LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、ED₃) Is used for passing through the LED group (LED) of the LED driver (LED DRV)₁、LED₂、LED₃) The associated LED terminals (LED0, LED1) are directed towards the LED group (LED)₁、LED₂、LED₃) Supplying power; and at least one measuring device (ADC) of the circuit (IC1, IC2) for detecting a voltage difference between a potential of the LED terminal (LED0, LED1) of the circuit (IC1, IC2) and a reference potential (GND). Furthermore, each circuit (IC1, IC2) has a local controller (VR) which draws current from the control bus (RB) by means of at least one Driver (DRV) as a function of the voltage difference detected by means of its measuring device (ADC). One or more bias current sources (IQ) to feed a bias current (I)_Bias) In the form of a total current of one or more bias currents (I)_Bias) Is fed to the control bus (RB) in order to set the operating point correctly. Output voltage (V) of Voltage Regulator (VREG)₀) Depending on the total current (I)_s) And thus the control loop is closed. Preferably, the correlation is linear. A current-controlled voltage regulator is required here.

Advantages of the invention

Such a device allows to regulate in a simple way the Voltage Regulator (VREG) for powering more complex LED arrays, which are powered by a plurality of circuits. According to the present invention, it has been realized that this is particularly easy for current controlled voltage regulators. Here, the total current (I)_S) Is the actual value signal, the input of the voltage-to-current converter (VC-C) is an exemplary input of a current-controlled voltage regulator extended by the associated devices (VREG, R1, R2, VC-C). The current control signal makes the structure particularly robust against EMC radiation and potential offsets compared to the prior art.

List of reference numerals

ADC analog-to-digital converter

Input for voltage control signal (VCTR) for ADJ Voltage Regulator (VREG)

I_BiasA bias current of the respective bias current source (IQ) which is fed into the control bus (RB) via the control bus terminals of the respective circuit (IC1, IC 2). BiasingThe current is preferably a time-constant current for setting the operating point of the proposed device.

IC1 first circuit

IC2 second circuit

Bias current source of IQ circuit (IC1, IC2)

I_SFeeding bias currents (I) to all circuits (IC) connected to the control bus (RB)_Bias) Total current of

GND reference potential

Control bus terminal of GPIO related circuit (IC1, IC2)

OP1 amplifier

LED₁First LEDs, i.e. first LED groups

LED₂Second LED, i.e. second group of LEDs

LED₃Third LED group

LED_3aThird LED group (LED)₃) First LED of (1)

LED_3bThird LED group (LED)₃) Second LED of (2)

LED0 first LED terminal

LED1 second LED terminal

LED DRV LED driver

R₁A first resistor

R₂Second resistor

R₃Third resistor

RB control bus

R_iInternal control signal

RS control signal

R_GPIOFor converting the total current (I)_S) Resistor for converting into voltage

T1 first transistor

V₀Voltage Regulator (VREG) having a voltage regulator output (V)_out) Output voltage with respect to a reference potential (GND)

V_ADJVoltage value of the voltage control signal (VCTR) relative to the reference potential (GND)

A VC-C voltage to current converter, which is preferably not part of the circuit (IC1, IC2) and/or the Voltage Regulator (VREG), may for example consist of a first transistor (T1), an amplifier (OP1) and a third resistor (R3).

VCTR voltage control signal

V_RResistance (R)_GPIO) Control voltage of

Local controller for VR related circuits (IC1, IC2)

VREG voltage regulator

V_outOutput terminal of voltage regulator

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