Infineon Technologies Ag

Stefan Stoegner

Maurizio Galvano

Christian Djelassi-Tscheck

Davide Ghedin

Tobias Giersch

This disclosure describes techniques to control LED lighting systems using a circuit that includes communication, control and LED driver circuitry specific to a limited number of particular lighting functions. The circuit may communicate via a standard communication bus protocol and include feedback, protection and sensing circuitry to monitor the lighting functions and LED performance. The circuit may be small enough to be included as part of a lighting assembly, such as a vehicle headlight assembly. The included feedback and monitoring circuitry that may be physically close the driven LEDs may simplify the wiring when compared to other techniques. A configuration process for the circuit may further simplify the wiring connections, as well as reduce the development and manufacturing costs for lighting systems that may use the circuit. Limiting the lighting functions of each circuit may improve thermal management by distributing the thermal load.

Modular front light LED driver messaging system

Devices and techniques for individual control of multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a LED array. A LED array may include multiple strands of LEDs with each strand including a single LED or multiple LEDs. The techniques of this disclosure include a parallel approach to controlling a LED array with a current measurement circuit in each LED strand. The current measurement circuits may be selectable by a controller via a multiplexer (MUX). The arrangement of circuit elements provides for an improved initialization phase and operating phase and may achieve an accurate and substantially equal current at all LEDs. The current control may ensure a homogenous light output that accounts for process and production variability, as well as changes in operating conditions. A LED control circuit of this disclosure may also include system safety features including temperatures sensing, and over voltage and over current sensing and protection.

Growing community of inventors

Villach, Austria

Stefan Stoegner