JP6609008B2 - Lighting device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a lighting device including a plurality of light emitting elements.

  In recent years, with diversification of lighting device designs, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a plurality of light emitting element groups connected to a power supply circuit in parallel to each other have different numbers of light emitting elements. A lighting device having the following is known.

JP 2010-225413 A JP 2008-77944 A

  In the conventional lighting device as described above, the light emission reference voltage required for light emission may differ between the light emitting element groups. For example, when the power source for driving the lighting device is turned on or off, the power is supplied. When the voltage supplied from the circuit is not at a sufficient level, the timing of light emission and extinction of the light emitting elements of each light emitting element group may vary. If the timing of light emission and extinction of each light emitting element group in the lighting device varies, the aesthetic appearance is impaired, and if the lighting device is used as an in-vehicle exterior lamp, for example, it may become unclear and may lead to an accident. Because there was a problem.

  The present invention provides an illumination device that prevents variations in the timing of light emission or extinction of a plurality of light emitting element groups connected in parallel to a power supply circuit.

  The lighting device according to the present invention has a power supply circuit for supplying a drive voltage, and a first light emission current flows when a first light emission voltage based on the drive voltage is applied at a first light emission reference voltage or higher. A first light emitting element group including a plurality of first light emitting elements connected in series with each other, and a second light emitting voltage based on the driving voltage is higher than the first light emitting reference voltage. And a second light emitting element group comprising a plurality of second light emitting elements connected in series, each of which emits light when a second light emission current flows when applied at the light emission reference voltage. A light emission element group that emits light when a light emission voltage equal to or higher than a light emission reference voltage based on the light emission reference voltage of 2 is detected, and a magnitude relationship between the drive voltage and the light emission reference voltage is detected, and the drive voltage is the light emission reference voltage If the voltage is higher than the voltage, A first light emission control unit that performs light emission control to perform light emission and performs light emission stop control to stop light emission of the light emitting element group when the drive voltage is lower than the light emission reference voltage; A magnitude relationship between the first semiconductor chip connected to the element group and the drive voltage and the light emission reference voltage is detected, and the light emitting element group is caused to emit light when the drive voltage is greater than the light emission reference voltage. A second light emission control unit that performs light emission control and performs light emission stop control for stopping light emission of the light emitting element group when the drive voltage is lower than the light emission reference voltage, and includes the first semiconductor chip and And a second semiconductor chip connected to the second light emitting element group.

  According to the illumination device of the present invention, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of light emission or extinction of a plurality of light emitting element groups connected in parallel to each other with respect to the power supply circuit.

It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 10 concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the transition of each signal waveform between the rising of the power supply for driving the illuminating device 10, and falling. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 10a concerning the 1st modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 10b concerning the 2nd modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 20 concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed transition of each signal waveform between the rising of the power supply for driving the illuminating device 20, and falling. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 20a concerning the 1st modification of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 30 concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the transition of each signal waveform between the rising of the power supply for driving the illuminating device 30, and falling. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 30a concerning the 1st modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 30b concerning the 2nd modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 30c concerning the 3rd modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 40 concerning the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 40a concerning the 1st modification of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 40b concerning the 2nd modification of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 40c concerning the 3rd modification of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 40d concerning the 4th modification of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 40e concerning the 5th modification of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 40f concerning the 6th modification of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 40g concerning the 7th modification of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 40h concerning the 8th modification of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 40i concerning the 9th modification of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 40j concerning the 10th modification of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 40k concerning the 11th modification of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 50 concerning the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 50a concerning the 1st modification of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 50b concerning the 2nd modification of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 50c concerning the 3rd modification of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 50d concerning the 4th modification of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the illuminating device 50e concerning the 5th modification of the 5th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The numerical values, circuits, etc. described below can be selected as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an illumination device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The lighting device 10 includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HS, and a light emission control unit HC. Although the illuminating device 10 is used as vehicle-mounted exterior lamps, such as a headlamp, a blinker, a hazard lamp, a brake lamp, for example, it is not restricted to this.

  The power supply circuit VS outputs a drive voltage Vk of 12V, for example. Further, the power supply circuit VS can supply a drive current Ik having a current value of a magnitude corresponding to the load to which the drive voltage Vk is supplied.

  The light emitting element group HS includes a light emitting element group HS1 and a light emitting element group HS2. The light emitting element group HS is a load to which the drive voltage Vk is supplied.

  The light emitting element group HS1 includes a plurality of light emitting elements HS1a connected in series with each other, and a resistance element Rh1. The light emitting element HS1a is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and is a self-light emitting element. The cathode of the light emitting element HS1a as one end of the light emitting element group HS1 is connected to one end of the resistance element Rh1. The other end of the resistance element Rh1 is connected to a power supply VSS as a first power supply having a potential lower than the drive voltage Vk, for example, 0V. Note that the light emitting element HS1a is not limited to an LED, and organic EL (Electro Luminescence) elements as self-luminous elements such as light emitting polymers are also applicable.

  In the light emitting element group HS1, when the light emission voltage Vh1 based on the drive voltage Vk is higher than the light emission reference voltage VH1 and applied to the anode of the light emitting element HS1a as the other end thereof, the light emission current Ih1 flows to each of the light emitting elements HS1a. Emits light. Note that the current value of the light emission current Ih1 is determined based on the resistance value of the resistance element Rh1. Each light emitting element HS1a has an internal resistance, and the forward voltage per light emitting element HS1a is 2 V, for example.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the light emission reference voltage VH1 for the light emitting element group HS1 to emit light includes three light emitting elements HS1a having a forward voltage of 2V in which the light emitting element groups HS1 are connected in series. For example, 6V. That is, in order for the light emitting element group HS1 to emit light, the light emission voltage Vh1 applied to the anode of the light emitting element HS1a at the other end needs to be 6V or more.

  Here, “the anode of the light emitting element HS1a as the other end of the light emitting element group HS1” is referred to as a node Nh1, and “the cathode of the light emitting element HS1a as one end of the light emitting element group HS1” is referred to as a node Nh1a. Further, “the light emission current Ih1 flows through each of the light emitting elements HS1a” is described as “the light emission current Ih1 flows through the light emitting element group HS1”.

  The light emitting element group HS2 includes a plurality of light emitting elements HS2a connected in series with each other and a resistance element Rh2. The light emitting element HS2a is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and is a self light emitting element. The cathode of the light emitting element HS2a as one end of the light emitting element group HS2 is connected to one end of the resistance element Rh2. The other end of the resistance element Rh2 is connected to the power supply VSS. Note that the light emitting element HS2a is not limited to an LED, and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) element as a self light emitting element can be applied in general, and is not limited thereto.

  The light emitting element group HS2 is applied to the anode of the light emitting element HS2a as its other end when the light emission voltage Vh2 based on the drive voltage Vk is higher than the light emission reference voltage VH2 higher than the light emission reference voltage VH1, and the light emission current Ih2 emits light. Light is emitted when it flows to each of the elements HS2a. Note that the current value of the light emission current Ih2 is determined based on the resistance value of the resistance element Rh2. Further, each of the light emitting elements HS2a has an internal resistance, and the forward voltage per light emitting element HS2a is 2 V, for example.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the light emission reference voltage VH2 for the light emitting element group HS2 to emit light includes four light emitting elements HS2a having a forward voltage of 2V in which the light emitting element groups HS2 are connected in series. For example, 8V. That is, in order for the light emitting element group HS2 to emit light, the light emission voltage Vh2 applied to the anode of the light emitting element HS2a at the other end needs to be 8V or more.

  Here, “the anode of the light emitting element HS2a as the other end of the light emitting element group HS2” is referred to as a node Nh2, and “the cathode of the light emitting element HS2a as one end of the light emitting element group HS2” is referred to as a node Nh2a. Further, “the light emission current Ih2 flows through each of the light emitting elements HS2a” is described as “the light emission current Ih2 flows through the light emitting element group HS2.”

  Here, in the present embodiment, in order for the light emitting element group HS to emit light without variation inside, in other words, for the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group 2 to emit light simultaneously, the light emission reference voltage VH2 which is 8V. Since the voltage is higher than the light emission reference voltage VH1 which is 6V, a voltage larger than the light emission reference voltage VH2 which is 8V needs to be applied to the light emitting element group HS as the light emission voltage Vh. Here, a voltage for causing the light emitting element group HS to emit light without variation therein is referred to as a light emission reference voltage VH. The light emitting element group HS emits light when a light emission voltage Vh equal to or higher than the light emission reference voltage VH based on the light emission reference voltage VH2 is applied. In the present embodiment, the light emission reference voltage VH is 8 V, which is the same as the light emission reference voltage VH2.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the light emitting element group HS2 includes more light emitting elements HS2a than the number of light emitting elements HS1a provided in the light emitting element group HS1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the illumination device 10 according to the present invention is remarkable when the light emission reference voltage VH1 necessary for the light emitting element group HS1 to emit light and the light emission reference voltage VH2 necessary for the light emitting element group HS2 to emit light are different. This does not prevent the number of light emitting elements included in the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 from being the same. Similarly, the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 may include one LED.

  Here, if a light emission voltage Vh not lower than the light emission reference voltage VH1 and not higher than the light emission reference voltage VH2 is applied to the light emitting element group HS without any control, the light emitting element group HS1 emits light, and the light emitting element group HS2 does not emit light. Further, when the light emission voltage Vh that is equal to or higher than the light emission reference voltage VH2 is applied to the light emitting element group HS, the light emitting element group HS2 emits light in addition to the light emitting element group HS1. That is, when a light emission voltage Vh lower than the reference voltage VH2 is applied to the light emitting element group HS, the light emission timings of the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 vary, and the light emission as a whole of the light emitting element group HS is disturbed. There is a risk that. In particular, when used in an in-vehicle exterior lamp, disturbance of light emission of the light emitting element group may lead to an accident. In the illumination device 10 according to the present invention, such a problem is prevented from occurring.

  The light emission control unit HC includes a comparison circuit CN and a transistor P1.

  The comparison circuit CN includes a resistance element R1, a resistance element R2, a reference power source Ref1, and a comparator Cp1.

  One end of the resistance element R1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS, and the resistance value is, for example, 400Ω. Here, the connection point between the resistance element R1, in other words, the comparison circuit CN and the power supply circuit VS is referred to as a node Nd1. One end of the resistance element R2 is connected to the other end of the resistance element R1, the other end is connected to the power source VSS, and the resistance value is, for example, 200Ω. Here, a connection point between the other end of the resistance element R1 and one end of the resistance element R2 is referred to as a node Nd2, and a potential of the node Nd2 is referred to as a comparison voltage Vc. The potential of the node Nd2 is a potential obtained by dividing the drive voltage Vk by the resistance element R1 and the resistance element R2.

  One end of the reference power source Ref1 is connected to the power source VSS, and generates a reference voltage Vref1 as a first reference voltage. The reference voltage Vref1 is set to be equal to or higher than a voltage value obtained when the light emission reference voltage VH is divided by the resistance element R1 and the resistance element R2. That is, the reference voltage Vref1 is set based on the light emission reference voltage VH. In this embodiment, the reference voltage Vref1 is set to, for example, 3V, which is higher than 2.6V obtained by dividing 8V, which is the light emission reference voltage VH, by the resistance element R1 of 400Ω and the resistance element R2 of 200Ω.

  In the comparator Cp1, the node Nd2 is connected to the inverting terminal and the comparison voltage Vc is input, and the other end of the reference power source Ref1 is connected to the non-inverting terminal and the reference voltage Vref1 is input. The comparator Cp1 compares the comparison voltage Vc with the reference voltage Vref1, and outputs a comparison result signal Vcr1 from the output terminal as the comparison result. For example, when the comparison voltage Vc is smaller than the reference voltage Vref1, the comparator Cp1 outputs a high-level comparison result signal Vcr1 at almost the same voltage level as the drive voltage Vk, and the comparison voltage Vc is larger than the reference voltage Vref1. For example, the low-level comparison result signal Vcr1 is output at 0V.

  As described above, the comparison circuit CN is connected to the power supply circuit VS, determines whether the drive voltage Vk is larger or smaller than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VH, and outputs the result as the comparison result signal Vcr1. .

  The transistor P1 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the power supply circuit VS, the drain terminal D is connected to the nodes Nh1 and Nh2, and the gate terminal G as a control terminal is the output terminal of the comparator Cp1, in other words It is connected to the comparison circuit CN. The transistor P1 is controlled to be turned on / off by a comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN and input to the gate terminal G, thereby performing light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS.

  Note that a connection point between the drain terminal D of the transistor P1 and the nodes Nh1 and Nh2 is referred to as a node Nd3. The light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 are connected in parallel to each other at a node Nd3 that is a connection point with the drain terminal D of the transistor P1.

  The transistor P1 is turned off when the high-level comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN is input to the gate terminal G. In this case, the potential at the node Nd3 becomes 0V, and thereby the light emission voltage Vh becomes 0V. For this reason, when the light emission voltage Vh1 applied to the light emitting element group HS1 is 0V, the light emission current Ih1 flowing through the light emitting element group HS1 is stopped and becomes 0A, so the light emitting element group HS1 does not emit light. Further, since the light emission voltage Vh2 applied to the light emitting element group HS2 is 0V and the light emission current Ih2 flowing through the light emitting element group HS2 is 0A, the light emitting element group HS2 does not emit light.

  The transistor P1 is turned on when the low-level comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN is input to the gate terminal G. In this case, the potential at the node Nd3 is 9 V or more, for example, and the light emission voltage Vh is 9 V or more. For this reason, the light emitting element group HS1 emits light by applying a light emission voltage Vh1 higher than 6 V, which is the light emission reference voltage VH1, to the light emitting element group HS1 and causing the light emission current Ih1 to flow. In addition, the light emitting element group HS2 emits light when a light emitting voltage Vh2 higher than the light emission reference voltage VH2 of 8V is applied to the light emitting element group HS2 and a light emitting current Ih2 flows.

  As described above, the light emission control unit HC detects the magnitude relationship between the drive voltage Vk and the light emission reference voltage VH, and when the drive voltage Vk is larger than the light emission reference voltage VH, the transistor P1 is turned on to emit light current. When the light emission control for causing the light emitting element group HS to emit light is performed by making it possible to supply Ih1 to the light emitting element group HS1 and supplying the light emission current Ih2 to the light emitting element group HS2, and the drive voltage Vk is smaller than the light emission reference voltage VH The light emission stop control is performed to stop the light emission of the light emitting element group HS by turning off the transistor P1 so that the light emission current Ih1 cannot be supplied to the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emission current Ih2 cannot be supplied to the light emitting element group HS2. Do. For this reason, according to the illuminating device 10 concerning this embodiment, the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 can be light-emitted and light-extinguished simultaneously.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the transition of each signal waveform from the rise to the fall of the power supply for driving the illumination device 10. FIG. 2A shows the transition of the drive voltage Vk over time. FIG. 2B shows the relationship between the transition of the comparison voltage Vc and the reference voltage Vref1 over time. FIG. 2C shows the transition of the comparison result signal Vcr1 over time. FIG. 2D shows the transition of the light emission voltage Vh over time. FIG. 2E shows the transition of the light emission current Ih1 and the light emission current Ih2 over time. 2A to 2D, the vertical axis represents voltage V and the horizontal axis represents time t. In FIG. 2E, the vertical axis represents current I, the horizontal axis represents time t, and time t0. ~ T4 is shown as a common time in FIGS. 2 (a) to 2 (e).

  At time t0, driving of the power source for driving the lighting device 10 is started, and the voltage level of the driving voltage Vk output from the power supply circuit VS starts to increase. At this time, since the comparison voltage Vc obtained by dividing the drive voltage Vk is 3V or less of the reference voltage Vref1, the comparison result signal Vcr1 is substantially at the same level as the drive voltage Vk, and the transistor P1 is turned off. It has become. For this reason, the light emission voltage Vh output from the transistor P1 is 0 V, the light emission current Ih1 does not flow through the light emitting element group HS1, and the light emission current Ih2 does not flow through the light emitting element group HS2. . That is, at the time t0, the light emitting element group HS is in an extinguished state.

  When the drive voltage Vk becomes 9V at time t1, the comparison voltage Vc becomes 3V, which is equal to or higher than 3V of the reference voltage Vref1, so that the comparison result signal Vcr1 transitions to a low level. Thereby, the transistor P1 is turned on and the light emission voltage Vh is output at about 9V. At this time, since the light emission voltage Vh1 of about 9V applied to the light emitting element group HS1 is larger than 6V which is the light emission reference voltage VH1, the light emission current Ih1 flows through the light emitting element group HS1 to emit light. Further, since the light emission voltage Vh2 of about 9V applied to the light emitting element group HS2 is higher than the light emission reference voltage VH2, which is 8V, the light emission current Ih2 flows through the light emitting element group HS2 to emit light. That is, the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 emit light without variation at the same timing.

  When driving of the power source for driving the illumination device 10 is stopped at time t2, the drive voltage Vk starts to decrease. At this time, the light emission voltage Vh, the light emission current Ih1, and the light emission current Ih2 output from the transistor P1 based on the comparison voltage Vc, the light emission voltage Vh, and the drive voltage Vk obtained by dividing the drive voltage Vk also start to decrease.

  When the lowered drive voltage Vk becomes less than 9V at time t3, the comparison voltage Vc becomes less than 3V. As a result, the comparison result signal Vcr1 transits to substantially the same level as the drive voltage Vk, the transistor P1 is turned off, and the output of the light emission voltage Vh, the light emission current Ih1, and the light emission current Ih2 from the transistor P1 is stopped. Thereby, the supply of the light emission current Ih1 to the light emitting element group HS1 and the supply of the light emission current Ih2 to the light emitting element group HS2 are stopped, and the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 are turned off simultaneously. At this time, since the transistor P1 is turned off when the light emission voltage Vh is higher than 8V which is the light emission reference voltage VH2, the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 do not vary and turn off at different timings. .

  At time t4, the drive voltage Vk decreases to 0V. Thereby, the drive of the illuminating device 10 will be in a halt condition.

  As described above, according to the lighting device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the light emission control unit HC detects the magnitude relationship between the drive voltage Vk and the light emission reference voltage VH, and the drive voltage Vk is greater than the light emission reference voltage VH. If the drive voltage Vk is lower than the light emission reference voltage VH, light emission stop control is performed to stop the light emission of the light emitting element group HS. For this reason, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2.

[First Modification of First Embodiment]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an illuminating device 10a according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 10a includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HS, a light emission control unit HC, a dimming circuit LC1, and a dimming circuit LC2. The illumination device 10a according to the present modification is substantially different from the illumination device 10 shown in FIG. 1 in that it newly includes a dimming circuit LC1 and a dimming circuit LC2. In the lighting device 10a shown in FIG. 3, the same components as those of the lighting device 10 shown in FIG.

  The dimming circuit LC1 has one end connected to the node Nd3, that is, the drain terminal D of the transistor P1, and the other end connected to the node Nh1. In other words, the node Nh1 is connected to the node Nd3 via the dimming circuit LC1. The light control circuit LC1 adjusts the light emission current Ih1 flowing through the light emitting element group HS1 to a predetermined current value, and thereby adjusts the light emission luminance of the light emitting element group HS1. Here, the transistor P1 supplies the driving voltage Vk to the dimming circuit LC1 when turned on, and stops supplying the driving voltage Vk to the dimming circuit LC1 when turned off.

  The dimming circuit LC1 may be configured to adjust the amount of current flowing through the light emitting element group HS1 based on the value of the current flowing through the light emitting element group HS1. It is good also as a structure which flows into group HS1, and it is not restricted to these, Various structures are applicable. Moreover, since the illuminating device 10a includes the dimming circuit LC1, the current value of the light emission current Ih1 that flows through the light emitting element group HS1 in the dimming circuit LC1 without using the resistive element Rh1 or together with the resistive element Rh1. It may be decided. In the lighting device 10a according to the present embodiment, the configuration in which the dimming circuit LC1 is connected between the node Nd3 and the node Nh1 has been described. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the dimming circuit LC1 includes the node Nh1a. And the power supply VSS.

  The dimming circuit LC2 has one end connected to the node Nd3, that is, the drain terminal D of the transistor P1, and the other end connected to the node Nh2. In other words, the node Nh2 is connected to the node Nd3 via the dimming circuit LC2. Thereby, the light control circuit LC2 and the light emitting element group HS2 connected in series with each other are connected in parallel with each other at the node Nd3 with the light control circuit LC1 and the light emitting element group HS1 connected in series with each other. The light control circuit LC2 adjusts the light emission current Ih2 flowing through the light emitting element group HS2 to a predetermined current value, thereby adjusting the light emission luminance of the light emitting element group HS2. Here, the transistor P1 supplies the driving voltage Vk to the dimming circuit LC2 when turned on, and stops supplying the driving voltage Vk to the dimming circuit LC2 when turned off.

  The dimming circuit LC2 may be configured to adjust the amount of current flowing through the light emitting element group HS2 based on the value of the current flowing through the light emitting element group HS2, or a predetermined current amount may be adjusted in advance by PWM control. It is good also as a structure which flows into group HS2, and it is not restricted to these, Various structures are applicable. Moreover, since the illuminating device 10a includes the dimming circuit LC2, the current value of the light emission current Ih2 flowing through the light emitting element group HS2 in the dimming circuit LC2 without using the resistive element Rh2 or together with the resistive element Rh2 is determined. It may be decided. In the lighting device 10a according to the present embodiment, the configuration in which the dimming circuit LC2 is connected between the node Nd3 and the node Nh2 has been described. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the dimming circuit LC2 includes the node Nh2a. And the power supply VSS.

[Second Modification of First Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a view showing an illuminating device 10b according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 10b includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HS, a dimming circuit LC1, a dimming circuit LC2, and a light emission control unit HCa. The illumination device 10b according to the present modification is substantially different from the illumination device 10a shown in FIG. 3 in that a light emission control unit HCa is provided instead of the light emission control unit HC. In the illumination device 10b shown in FIG. 4, the same components as those in the illumination device 10 shown in FIG. 1 or the illumination device 10a shown in FIG.

  The dimming circuit LC1 is configured such that one end is connected to the node Nd1 and is thereby connected to the power supply circuit VS. The light control circuit LC1 adjusts the light emission current Ih1 flowing through the light emitting element group HS1 so as to have a predetermined current value.

  The dimming circuit LC2 is configured such that one end is connected to the node Nd1 and is thereby connected to the power supply circuit VS. The light control circuit LC2 adjusts the light emission current Ih2 flowing through the light emitting element group HS2 so as to have a predetermined current value.

  The light emission control unit HCa includes a comparison circuit CN, a transistor P2, and a transistor P3.

  The transistor P2 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the other end of the dimming circuit LC1, the drain terminal D is connected to the node Nh1, and the gate terminal G as a control terminal is connected to the comparison circuit CN. . The transistor P2 is controlled to be turned on / off by a comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN and input to the gate terminal G, thereby performing light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS. When the transistor P2 is turned on, the drive voltage Vk supplied from the power supply circuit VS to the source terminal S via the dimming circuit LC1 is output from the drain terminal D as the light emission voltage Vh1.

  The transistor P2 is turned off when the high-level comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN is input to the gate terminal G. In this case, the light emission voltage Vh1 applied to the light emitting element group HS1 is 0V, and the light emission current Ih1 supplied to the light emitting element group HS1 is 0A. That is, the supply of the light emission current Ih1 to the light emitting element group HS1 is stopped. The light emitting element group HS1 does not emit light. The transistor P2 is turned on when the low-level comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN is input to the gate terminal G. In this case, the light emission voltage Vh1 applied to the light emitting element group HS1 is 9 V or higher, which is higher than the light emission reference voltage VH1. For this reason, the light emitting voltage Vh1 higher than 6V which is the light emission reference voltage VH1 is applied to the light emitting element group HS1, and the light emission current Ih1 is supplied and flows. Thereby, the light emitting element group HS1 emits light.

  The transistor P3 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the other end of the dimming circuit LC2, the drain terminal D is connected to the node Nh2, and the gate terminal G as a control terminal is connected to the comparison circuit CN. . The transistor P3 is controlled to be turned on / off by the comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN and input to the gate terminal G, thereby performing light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS. When the transistor P3 is turned on, the drive voltage Vk supplied from the power supply circuit VS to the source terminal S via the dimming circuit LC2 is output from the drain terminal D as the light emission voltage Vh2.

  The transistor P3 is turned off when the high-level comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN is input to the gate terminal G. In this case, the light emission voltage Vh2 applied to the light emitting element group HS1 is 0V, and the light emission current Ih2 supplied and flowing to the light emitting element group HS2 is 0A. That is, the supply of the light emission current Ih2 to the light emitting element group HS2 is stopped. The light emitting element group HS2 does not emit light. The transistor P3 is turned on when the low-level comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN is input to the gate terminal G. In this case, the light emission voltage Vh2 applied to the light emitting element group HS2 is 9 V or higher, which is higher than the light emission reference voltage VH2. For this reason, a light emission voltage Vh2 higher than 8V, which is the light emission reference voltage VH2, is applied to the light emitting element group HS2 to supply and flow a light emission current Ih2. Thereby, the light emitting element group HS2 emits light.

  Here, the light control circuit LC1 and the light emitting element group HS1 connected in series with each other are connected in parallel with each other in the light control circuit LC2 and the light emitting element group HS2 connected in series with each other in the power supply circuit VS.

  As described above, the light emission control unit HCa detects the magnitude relationship between the drive voltage Vk and the light emission reference voltage VH. When the drive voltage Vk is larger than the light emission reference voltage VH, the light emission current is controlled by turning on the transistor P2. Ih1 can be supplied to the light emitting element group HS1, and the transistor P3 is turned on so that the light emission current Ih2 can be supplied to the light emitting element group HS2, thereby performing light emission control for causing the light emitting element group HS to emit light. When the voltage is lower than the voltage VH, the transistor P2 is turned off so that the light emission current Ih1 cannot be supplied to the light emitting element group HS1, and the transistor P3 is turned off so that the light emission current Ih2 cannot be supplied to the light emitting element group HS2. Light emission stop control for stopping the light emission of the element group HS is performed. For this reason, according to the illuminating device 10b concerning this embodiment, the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 can be light-emitted and light-extinguished simultaneously.

  The illumination device 10b according to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention includes the transistor P2 and the transistor P3 instead of the transistor P1 in the illumination device 10, and thus emits the light emitting element group HS1. The light emitting current Ih1 that flows to the light emitting element group HS1 to cause the light emitting element group HS2 to emit light and the light emitting current Ih2 that flows to the light emitting element group HS2 to cause the light emitting element group HS2 to emit light are emitted from the power supply circuit VS via different transistors. And the light emitting element group HS2. For this reason, the current concentrated on the transistor P1 in the lighting device 10 can be distributed to the transistor P2 and the transistor P3, so that local concentration of heat in the lighting device can be prevented. Needless to say, this effect increases in proportion to an increase in the number of light emitting elements included in the light emitting element group HS and the number of light emitting element groups connected in parallel to each other.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a view showing an illumination device 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The lighting device 20 includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HS, and a light emission control unit HCb. The illumination device 20 according to the present embodiment is substantially different from the illumination device 10 shown in FIG. 1 in that a light emission control unit HCb is provided instead of the light emission control unit HC. In the illuminating device 20 shown in FIG. 5, the same components as those in the illuminating device 10 shown in FIG.

  The other end of the light emitting element group HS1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS. The other end of the light emitting element group HS2 is connected to the power supply circuit VS. Thereby, each light emitting element HS1a of the light emitting element group HS1 and each light emitting element HS2a of the light emitting element group HS2 are connected in parallel to each other in the power supply circuit VS. The light emitting element group HS1 in the lighting device 20 includes a resistance element Rh3 having one end connected to the power supply circuit VS and the other end connected to the node Nh1, instead of the resistance element Rh1 of the lighting device 10. The light emission current Ih1 is determined based on the resistance values of the light emitting elements HS1a and the resistance element Rh3. The light emitting element group HS2 in the lighting device 20 includes a resistance element Rh4 having one end connected to the power supply circuit VS and the other end connected to the node Nh2, instead of the resistance element Rh2 of the lighting device 10. The light emission current Ih2 is determined based on the resistance values of the light emitting elements HS2a and the resistance element Rh4. Further, the resistance value of the resistance element Rh3 is larger than the resistance value of the resistance element Rh4, and the voltage determined by the internal resistance of the light emitting element HS1a, the series resistance value of the resistance element Rh3, and the light emission current Ih1 is internal to the light emitting element HS2a. The voltage is determined to be the same as the voltage determined by the series resistance value of the resistor and the resistor element Rh4 and the light emission current Ih2. Thus, the light emission current Ih1 flowing through the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emission current Ih2 flowing through the light emitting element group HS2 are made the same so that the light emission luminances of the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 are the same. Has been. However, when it is not necessary to make the light emission luminances of the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 the same, the resistance value of the resistance element Rh3 does not necessarily need to be larger than the resistance value of the resistance element Rh4.

  The light emission control unit HCb includes a comparison circuit CNa, a transistor N1, and a transistor N2.

  The comparison circuit CNa includes a resistance element R1, a resistance element R2, a reference power source Ref1, and a comparator Cp2. Since the connection point between the resistance element R1 and the power supply circuit VS is Nd1, in this embodiment, the node Nd1 is, in other words, the connection point between the comparison circuit CNa and the power supply circuit VS.

  In the comparator Cp2, the node Nd2 is connected to the non-inverting terminal and the comparison voltage Vc is input, and the other end of the reference power source Ref1 is connected to the inverting terminal and the reference voltage Vref1 is input. The comparator Cp2 compares the comparison voltage Vc with the reference voltage Vref1, and outputs a comparison result signal Vcr2 from the output terminal as a comparison result. When the comparison voltage Vc is smaller than the reference voltage Vref1, the comparator Cp2 outputs a low-level comparison result signal Vcr2 at, for example, 0V, and when the comparison voltage Vc is larger than the reference voltage Vref1, for example, the driving voltage Vk. A high-level comparison result signal Vcr2 is output at substantially the same voltage level.

  As described above, the comparison circuit CNa is connected to the power supply circuit VS, determines whether the drive voltage Vk is larger or smaller than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VH, and outputs the result as the comparison result signal Vcr2. .

  The transistor N1 is an NMOS transistor, the gate terminal G as a control terminal is connected to the output terminal of the comparator Cp2, in other words, the comparison circuit CNa, the drain terminal D is connected to the node Nh1a, and the source terminal S is connected to the power supply VSS. Has been. In other words, the node Nh1a is connected to the power supply VSS via the transistor N1. The transistor N1 is controlled to be turned on / off by a comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa and input to the gate terminal G, thereby performing light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS1.

  The transistor N1 is turned off when the low-level comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa is input to the gate terminal G. In this case, the light emitting current Ih1 flowing through the light emitting element group HS1 is stopped and becomes 0A, that is, the supply of the light emitting current Ih1 to the light emitting element group HS1 is stopped, and thus the light emitting element group HS1 does not emit light. The transistor N1 is turned on when the high-level comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparator Cp2 is input to the gate terminal G. In this case, since the light emitting voltage Vh1 higher than the reference voltage VH1 is applied to the light emitting element group HS1, the light emitting current Ih1 flows through the light emitting element group HS1. Thereby, the light emitting element group HS1 emits light.

  The transistor N2 is an NMOS transistor, the gate terminal G as a control terminal is connected to the output terminal of the comparator Cp2, in other words, the comparison circuit CNa, the drain terminal D is connected to the node Nh2a, and the source terminal S is connected to the power supply VSS. Has been. In other words, the node Nh2a is connected to the power supply VSS via the transistor N2. The transistor N2 is controlled to be turned on / off by a comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa and input to the gate terminal G, thereby performing light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS2.

  The transistor N2 is turned off when the low-level comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa is input to the gate terminal G. In this case, the light emitting current Ih2 flowing through the light emitting element group HS2 is stopped and becomes 0A, that is, the supply of the light emitting current Ih2 to the light emitting element group HS2 is stopped, and thus the light emitting element group HS2 does not emit light. The transistor N2 is turned on when the high-level comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparator Cp2 is input to the gate terminal G. In this case, since the light emission voltage Vh2 higher than the reference voltage VH1 is applied to the light emitting element group HS2, the light emission current Ih2 flows through the light emitting element group HS2. Thereby, the light emitting element group HS2 emits light.

  As described above, the light emission control unit HCb detects the magnitude relationship between the drive voltage Vk and the light emission reference voltage VH. When the drive voltage Vk is larger than the light emission reference voltage VH, the light emission current is turned on. Ih1 can be supplied to the light emitting element group HS1, the transistor N2 is turned on, and the light emission current Ih2 can be supplied to the light emitting element group HS2, thereby performing light emission control for causing the light emitting element group HS to emit light. When the voltage is lower than the voltage VH, the transistor N1 is turned off so that the light emission current Ih1 cannot be supplied to the light emitting element group HS1, and the transistor N2 is turned off so that the light emission current Ih2 cannot be supplied to the light emitting element group HS2. Light emission stop control for stopping the light emission of the element group HS is performed. For this reason, according to the illuminating device 20 concerning this embodiment, the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 can be light-emitted and light-extinguished simultaneously.

  Note that the lighting device 20 performs light emission control and light emission stop control by controlling on / off of the transistor N1 connected to the node Nh1a and the power supply VSS and the transistor N2 connected to the node Nh2a and the power supply VSS. Therefore, as in the illumination devices 10, 10a, and 10b according to the first embodiment, the PMOS transistors for performing the light emission control and the light emission stop control are provided with the power supply circuit VS, the light emitting element group HS1, and the light emitting element group HS2. There is no need to connect between. Therefore, the light emission voltage Vh1 based on the drive voltage Vk output from the power supply circuit VS can be supplied to the light emitting element group HS1 without causing a voltage drop, and the light emission voltage Vh2 can be supplied without causing a voltage drop. The light can be supplied to the light emitting element group HS2. Therefore, the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 can be made to emit light at a lower drive voltage Vk.

  The lighting device 20 performs light emission control and light emission stop control by controlling on / off of the transistor N1 connected to the node Nh1a and the power supply VSS and the transistor N2 connected to the node Nh2a and the power supply VSS. Therefore, unlike the lighting devices 10, 10 a, and 10 b according to the first embodiment, it is not necessary to use a PMOS transistor to perform light emission control and light emission stop control. That is, since the light emission control and the light emission stop control are performed by the NMOS transistor that can realize the equivalent driving capability in a smaller size than the PMOS transistor, compared with the illumination devices 10, 10a, and 10b according to the first embodiment. Thus, the area of the lighting device can be reduced.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the transition of each signal waveform from the rise to the fall of the power supply for driving the lighting device 20. FIG. 6A shows the transition of the drive voltage Vk over time. FIG. 6B shows the relationship between the transition of the comparison voltage Vc and the reference voltage Vref1 over time. FIG. 6C shows the transition of the comparison result signal Vcr2 over time. FIG. 6D shows transition of the light emission voltage Vh1 and the light emission voltage Vh2 over time. FIG. 6E shows the transition of the light emission current Ih1 and the light emission current Ih2 over time. 6A to 6D, the vertical axis represents voltage V and the horizontal axis represents time t. In FIG. 6E, the vertical axis represents current I, the horizontal axis represents time t, and time t10. ~ T14 is shown as a common time in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (e). Further, in FIG. 6E, the light emission current Ih1 and the light emission current Ih2 are shown as the same current value, but the present invention is not limited to this. In FIG. 6, the signal waveforms described in FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  At time t10, driving of the power source for driving the lighting device 20 is started, and the drive voltage Vk starts to rise. At this time, since the comparison voltage Vc is 3 V or less of the reference voltage Vref1, the comparison result signal Vcr2 is at a low level. Further, since the comparison result signal Vcr2 is at the low level, the transistor N1 and the transistor N2 are turned off, the light emitting current Ih1 does not flow through the light emitting element group HS1, and the light emitting current Ih2 flows through the light emitting element group HS2. Is in a state that does not flow. That is, at time t10, the light emitting element group HS is in an extinguished state.

  At time t11, the comparison voltage Vc becomes equal to or higher than the reference voltage Vref1, the comparison result signal Vcr2 changes to high level, and the transistors N1 and N2 are turned on. At this time, since the light emission voltage Vh1 and the light emission voltage Vh2 are about 9 V, the light emission current Ih1 flows to the light emitting element group HS1, the light emitting element group HS1 emits light, and the light emission current Ih2 flows to the light emitting element group HS2. The light emitting element group HS2 emits light. That is, all the light emitting elements HS1a in the light emitting element group HS1 and all the light emitting elements HS2a in the light emitting element group HS2 emit light without variation at the same timing.

  When the drive of the power source for driving the lighting device 20 is stopped at time t12, the drive voltage Vk starts to decrease. At this time, the comparison voltage Vc, the light emission voltage Vh1, the light emission current Ih1, the light emission voltage Vh2, and the light emission current Vh3 also start to decrease.

  At time t13, the lowered drive voltage Vk becomes less than 9V and the comparison voltage Vc becomes less than 3V. As a result, the comparison result signal Vcr2 transits to a low level, the transistor N1 and the transistor N2 are turned off, and the light emission current Ih1 flowing through the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emission current Ih2 flowing through the light emitting element group HS2 are stopped. HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 are turned off simultaneously. At this time, the transistor N1 and the transistor N2 are turned off when the light emission voltage Vh1 and the light emission voltage Vh2 are higher than the reference voltage VH2, which is 8 V. Therefore, the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 vary at different timings. Will not turn off.

  At time t14, the drive voltage Vk decreases to 0V. Thereby, the drive of the illuminating device 20 will be in a halt condition.

  As described above, according to the illumination device 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the light emission control unit HCb detects the magnitude relationship between the drive voltage Vk and the light emission reference voltage VH, and the drive voltage Vk is greater than the light emission reference voltage VH. If the drive voltage Vk is lower than the light emission reference voltage VH, light emission stop control is performed to stop the light emission of the light emitting element group HS. For this reason, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2.

[First Modification of Second Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a lighting device 20a according to a first modification of the second embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 20a includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HS, a light emission control unit HCb, a dimming circuit LC1, and a dimming circuit LC2. The illuminating device 20a according to the present modification is substantially different from the illuminating device 20 shown in FIG. 5 in that it newly includes a dimming circuit LC1 and a dimming circuit LC2. In addition, in the illuminating device 20a shown in FIG. 7, the same code | symbol is attached about the structure similar to the illuminating device 10a shown in FIG. 3, the illuminating device 10b shown in FIG. 4, or the illuminating device 20 shown in FIG. The description will be omitted as appropriate.

  One end of the dimming circuit LC1 is connected to the node Nd1, and thereby connected to the power supply circuit VS. The other end of the dimming circuit LC1 is connected to the node Nh1. In other words, the node Nh1 is connected to the node Nd1 via the dimming circuit LC1 and the node Nd1. The light control circuit LC1 adjusts so that the light emission current Ih1 flowing through the light emitting element group HS1 becomes a predetermined current value.

  In the illumination device 20a according to the present embodiment, the configuration in which the dimming circuit LC1 is connected between the node Nd1 and the node Nh1 has been described. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the dimming circuit LC1 includes the node Nh1a. And the power supply VSS.

  One end of the dimming circuit LC2 is connected to the node Nd1, and thereby connected to the power supply circuit VS. The other end of the dimming circuit LC2 is connected to the node Nh2. In other words, the node Nh2 is connected to the node Nd1 via the dimming circuit LC2 and the node Nd1. Thereby, the light control circuit LC2 and the light emitting element group HS2 connected in series with each other are connected in parallel with each other at the node Nd1 with the light control circuit LC1 and the light emitting element group HS1 connected in series with each other. The light control circuit LC2 adjusts the light emission current Ih2 flowing through the light emitting element group HS2 to a predetermined current value.

  In the illumination device 20a according to the present embodiment, the configuration in which the dimming circuit LC2 is connected between the node Nd2 and the node Nh2 has been described. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the dimming circuit LC2 includes the node Nh2a. And the power supply VSS.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a view showing an illumination device 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 30 includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HS, a light control circuit LC1, a light control circuit LC2, and a light emission control unit HCc. The illumination device 30 according to the present embodiment is substantially different from the illumination device 10a shown in FIG. 3 in that a light emission control unit HCc is provided instead of the light emission control unit HC. Compared with the illumination device 10b shown, the light emission control unit HCc is substantially different from the illumination device 10b in that a light emission control unit HCc is provided. Compared with the illumination device 20a shown in FIG. This is substantially different in that a light emission control unit HCc is provided instead of HCb. In the lighting device 30 shown in FIG. 8, the same components as those in the lighting device 10a shown in FIG. 3, the lighting device 10b shown in FIG. 4, or the lighting device 20a shown in FIG. A description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  One end of the dimming circuit LC1 is connected to the node Nd1, thereby connecting to the power supply circuit VS. The other end of the dimming circuit LC1 is connected to the node Nh1. In other words, the node Nh1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS via the dimming circuit LC1 and the node Nd1. The light control circuit LC1 adjusts the light emission current Ih1 flowing through the light emitting element group HS1 to a predetermined current value, and thereby adjusts the light emission luminance of the light emitting element group HS1. The dimming circuit LC1 includes a transistor P4 as a first dimming switch and a comparison circuit CNL1 as a first dimming comparison circuit.

  The comparison circuit CNL1 includes a resistance element R3, a reference power supply Ref2, and a comparator Cp3.

  One end of the resistance element R3 is connected to the power supply circuit VS, and the resistance value is, for example, 400Ω.

  One end of the reference power supply Ref2 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and one end of the resistance element R3, and outputs a reference voltage Vref2 as a first dimming reference voltage. The reference power supply Ref2 outputs the drive voltage Vk as a reference voltage Vref2 at a potential that is lowered by a predetermined potential.

  In the comparator Cp3, the other end of the resistor element R3 is connected to the inverting terminal, and the feedback voltage Vfb1 as the first dimming comparison voltage, which is the potential of the resistor element R3, is input, and the non-inverting terminal of the reference power supply Ref2 is input. The other end is connected and the reference voltage Vref2 is input. The comparator Cp3 compares the feedback voltage Vfb1 with the reference voltage Vref2, and outputs a comparison result signal Vcr3 as a first control signal from the output terminal as the comparison result. Here, a connection point between the other end of the resistance element R3 and the inverting terminal of the comparator Cp3 is referred to as a node Nd4. The voltage level of the feedback voltage Vfb1 is determined based on the light emission voltage Vh1.

  The transistor P4 is a PMOS transistor, and the source terminal S is connected to the node Nd4 which is the other end of the resistor element R3 and is the non-inverting terminal of the comparator Cp3. In other words, the transistor P4 is connected to the power supply circuit VS via the resistor element R3. The drain terminal D is connected to the node Nh1. The transistor P4 generates and outputs the drive voltage Vk, the light emission voltage Vh1, and the light emission current Ih1 supplied to the source terminal S from the power supply circuit VS via the resistance element R3.

  Here, the comparator Cp3 compares the feedback voltage Vfb1 with the reference voltage Vref2, and based on the comparison result, the comparison result is applied to the gate terminal G of the transistor P4 so that the potential of the node Nd4 becomes the same level as the reference voltage Vref2. The signal Vcr3 is supplied to adjust the output level of the light emission current Vh1 output from the transistor P4. For example, when the feedback voltage Vfb1 is smaller than the reference voltage Vref2, the comparator Cp3 outputs a comparison result signal Vcr3 having a lower voltage level and raises the output of the transistor P4 so as to raise the potential of the node Nd4. For example, when the feedback voltage Vfb1 is larger than the reference voltage Vref2, the control result signal Vcr3 having a higher voltage level is output so that the output of the transistor P4 is lowered in order to lower the potential of the node Nd4.

  As described above, the dimming circuit LC1 adjusts the light emission current Ih1 output from the transistor P4 to a predetermined current value by the comparison result signal Vcr3 output from the comparison circuit CNL1, and thereby the light emitting element The light emission luminance of the group HS1 is adjusted.

  One end of the dimming circuit LC2 is connected to the node Nd1, and thereby connected to the power supply circuit VS. The other end of the dimming circuit LC2 is connected to the node Nh2. In other words, the node Nh2 is connected to the power supply circuit VS via the dimming circuit LC2 and the node Nd1. The light control circuit LC2 adjusts the light emission current Ih2 flowing through the light emitting element group HS2 to a predetermined current value, thereby adjusting the light emission luminance of the light emitting element group HS2. The dimming circuit LC2 includes a transistor P5 as a second dimming switch and a comparison circuit CNL2 as a second dimming comparison circuit.

  The comparison circuit CNL2 includes a resistance element R4, a reference power supply Ref3, and a comparator Cp4.

  One end of the resistance element R4 is connected to the power supply circuit VS, and the resistance value is, for example, 400Ω.

  One end of the reference power supply Ref3 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and one end of the resistor element R4, and supplies a reference voltage Vref3 as a second dimming reference voltage. In the illuminating device 30, the drive voltage Vk is supplied as a reference voltage Vref3 at a potential lowered by a predetermined potential.

  In the comparator Cp4, the other end of the resistor element R4 is connected to the inverting terminal, the feedback voltage Vfb2 as the second dimming comparison voltage that is the potential of the resistor element R4 is input, and the reference power source Ref3 of the reference power source Ref3 is input to the non-inverting terminal. The other end is connected and the reference voltage Vref3 is input. The comparator Cp4 compares the feedback voltage Vfb2 with the reference voltage Vref3, and outputs a comparison result signal Vcr4 as a second control signal as a comparison result from the output terminal. Here, a connection point between the other end of the resistance element R4 and the inverting terminal of the comparator Cp4 is referred to as a node Nd5. The voltage level of the feedback voltage Vfb2 is determined based on the light emission voltage Vh2.

  The transistor P5 is a PMOS transistor, and the source terminal S is connected to the node Nd5 which is the other end of the resistor element R4 and is the non-inverting terminal of the comparator Cp4. In other words, the transistor P5 is connected to the power supply circuit VS via the resistor element R4. The drain terminal D is connected to the node Nh2. The transistor P5 generates and outputs the drive voltage Vk, the light emission voltage Vh2, and the light emission current Ih2 supplied to the source terminal S from the power supply circuit VS via the resistance element R4.

  Here, the comparator Cp4 compares the feedback voltage Vfb2 and the reference voltage Vref3, and based on the comparison result, the comparison result is applied to the gate terminal G of the transistor P5 so that the potential of the node Nd5 becomes the same level as the reference voltage Vref3. The signal Vcr4 is supplied to adjust the output level of the light emission current Vh2 output from the transistor P5. For example, when the feedback voltage Vfb2 is smaller than the reference voltage Vref3, the comparator Cp4 outputs a comparison result signal Vcr4 having a lower voltage level and raises the output of the transistor P5 so as to raise the potential of the node Nd5. For example, when the feedback voltage Vfb2 is higher than the reference voltage Vref3, a control result signal Vcr4 having a higher voltage level is output so as to lower the potential of the node Nd5 and the output of the transistor P5 is controlled to be lowered.

  As described above, the dimming circuit LC2 adjusts the light emission current Ih2 output from the transistor P5 to a predetermined current value based on the comparison result signal Vcr4 output from the comparison circuit CNL2, and thereby the light emitting element The light emission luminance of the group HS2 is adjusted.

  The light control circuit LC1 and the light emitting element group HS1 connected in series with each other are connected in parallel with each other in the light control circuit LC2 and the light emitting element group HS2 connected in series with each other in the power supply circuit VS.

  The light emission control unit HCc includes a transistor P6, a transistor P7, and a comparison circuit CNa.

  The transistor P6 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S as one end is connected to the power supply circuit VS, the drain terminal D as the other end is connected to the gate terminal G of the transistor P4, and the gate terminal G as the control terminal is It is connected to the comparison circuit CNa. The transistor P6 is controlled to be turned on / off by a comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa and input to the gate terminal G, thereby performing light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS1.

  The transistor P6 is turned on when the low-level comparison result signal Vcr2 is input to the gate terminal G from the comparison circuit CNa. As a result, the transistor P4 is short-circuited between the source terminal S and the gate terminal G and is turned off regardless of the output of the comparison result signal Vcr3. In other words, the transistor P4 cannot be turned on by the comparison result signal Vcr3. The supply of the light emission current Ih to the light emitting element group HS1 is stopped. That is, the light control circuit LC1 stops the generation of the light emission current Ih1 based on the light emission stop control of the light emission control unit HCc. The light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS1 is performed as described above.

  The transistor P6 is turned off when the high-level comparison result signal Vcr2 is input to the gate terminal G from the comparison circuit CNa. As a result, the short-circuit between the source terminal S and the gate terminal G of the transistor P4 is released and the transistors P4 are disconnected from each other, so that the current value of the light emission current Ih1 output from the transistor P4 to the light emitting element group HS1 is determined by the comparison result signal Vcr3 You will be able to control. That is, the light control circuit LC1 generates the light emission current Ih1 based on the light emission control of the light emission control unit HCc. The light emission control of the light emitting element group HS1 is performed as described above.

  Note that the first threshold voltage for turning on the transistor P6 is preferably lower than the second threshold voltage for turning on the transistor P4. The reason for this is as follows. In the transistor P6, when the drive voltage Vk is lower than the light emission reference voltage VH, the low-level comparison result signal Vcr2 is input to the gate terminal G, and the drive voltage Vk is input to the source terminal S. Then, it is turned on as the drive voltage Vk increases. On the other hand, in the transistor P4, the drive voltage Vk is input to the source terminal S, and the output of the transistor P6 is input to the gate terminal G. At this time, if the second threshold voltage of the transistor P4 is lower than the first threshold voltage of the transistor P6, the transistor P6 is turned on before the gate terminal G and the source terminal S of the transistor P4 are short-circuited. This is because the transistor P4 is turned on, and the light emitting voltage Vh1 is applied to the light emitting element group HS1, and the light emitting element group HS1 may slightly emit light.

  The transistor P7 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S as one end is connected to the power supply circuit VS, the drain terminal D as the other end is connected to the gate terminal G of the transistor P5, and the gate terminal G as the control terminal is It is connected to the comparison circuit CNa. The transistor P7 is turned on / off by the comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa and input to the gate terminal G, thereby performing light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS2.

  The transistor P7 is turned on when the low-level comparison result signal Vcr2 is input to the gate terminal G from the comparison circuit CNa. As a result, the transistor P5 is short-circuited between the source terminal S and the gate terminal G and is turned off regardless of the output of the comparison result signal Vcr4. In other words, the transistor P5 cannot be turned on by the comparison result signal Vcr4. The supply of the light emission current Ih2 to the light emitting element group HS2 is stopped. That is, the light control circuit LC2 stops the generation of the light emission current Ih2 based on the light emission stop control of the light emission control unit HCc. The light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS2 is performed as described above.

  The transistor P7 is turned off when the high-level comparison result signal Vcr2 is input to the gate terminal G from the comparison circuit CNa. As a result, the short-circuit between the source terminal S and the gate terminal G of the transistor P5 is released and the transistors P5 are disconnected from each other. Therefore, the current value of the light emission current Ih2 output from the transistor P5 to the light emitting element group HS2 is determined by the comparison result signal Vcr4. You will be able to control. That is, the light control circuit LC2 generates the light emission current Ih2 based on the light emission control of the light emission control unit HCc. The light emission control of the light emitting element group HS2 is performed as described above.

  Note that the third threshold voltage for turning on the transistor P7 is preferably lower than the fourth threshold voltage for turning on the transistor P5. The reason for this is as follows. In the transistor P7, when the drive voltage Vk is lower than the light emission reference voltage VH, the low-level comparison result signal Vcr2 is input to the gate terminal G, and the drive voltage Vk is input to the source terminal S. Then, it is turned on as the drive voltage Vk increases. On the other hand, in the transistor P5, the drive voltage Vk is input to the source terminal S, and the output of the transistor P7 is input to the gate terminal G. At this time, when the fourth threshold voltage of the transistor P5 is lower than the third threshold voltage of the transistor P7, the transistor P7 is turned on before the gate terminal G and the source terminal S of the transistor P5 are short-circuited. This is because the transistor P5 is turned on, and the light emitting voltage Vh2 is applied to the light emitting element group HS1, and the light emitting element group HS2 may slightly emit light.

  As described above, the light emission control unit HCc detects the magnitude relationship between the drive voltage Vk and the light emission reference voltage VH, and when the drive voltage Vk is larger than the light emission reference voltage VH, the transistor P6 is turned off to turn on the transistor P4. Can be controlled by the comparison result signal Vcr3, the transistor P7 is turned off and the output of the transistor P5 can be controlled by the comparison result signal Vcr4, the light emission current Ih1 can be supplied to the light emitting element group HS1, and the light emission current Ih2 is Light emission control for allowing the light emitting element group HS to emit light that can be supplied to the light emitting element group HS2, that is, light emission control that enables the light control circuit LC1 to generate the light emission current Ih1, and the light control circuit LC2 to generate the light emission current Ih2. I do. When the drive voltage Vk is lower than the light emission reference voltage VH, the transistors P6 and P7 are turned on, and the outputs of the transistors P4 and P5 of the dimming circuit LC1 cannot be controlled by the comparison result signal Vcr3 and forced. By stopping, the light emission current Ih1 cannot be supplied to the light emitting element group HS1, and the light emission current Ih2 cannot be supplied to the light emitting element group HS2, and light emission stop control for stopping the light emission of the light emitting element group HS, that is, the light control circuit LC1. The light emission current Ih1 cannot be generated, and the light emission stop control is performed so that the light control circuit LC2 cannot generate the light emission current Ih2. For this reason, according to the illuminating device 30 concerning this embodiment, the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 can be light-emitted and light-extinguished simultaneously.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the transition of each signal waveform from the rise to the fall of the power supply for driving the illumination device 30. FIG. 9A shows the transition of the drive voltage Vk over time. FIG. 9B shows the relationship between the transition of the comparison voltage Vc and the reference voltage Vref1 over time. FIG. 9C shows the transition of the comparison result signal Vcr2 over time. FIG. 9D shows transition of the light emission voltage Vh1 and the light emission voltage Vh2 over time. FIG. 9E shows the transition of the light emission current Ih1 and the light emission current Ih2 over time. 9A to 9D, the vertical axis represents voltage V and the horizontal axis represents time t. In FIG. 9E, the vertical axis represents current I, the horizontal axis represents time t, and time t20. ~ T24 is shown as a common time in FIGS. 9 (a) to 9 (e). In FIG. 9 (e), the light emission current Ih1 and the light emission current Ih2 are shown as the same current value. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In FIG. 9, the signal waveforms described in FIG. 6 according to the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  At time t20, driving of the power source for driving the lighting device 30 is started, and the driving voltage Vk starts to rise. At this time, since the comparison voltage Vc is 3 V or less of the reference voltage Vref1, the comparison result signal Vcr2 is at a low level. Further, since the comparison result signal Vcr2 is at a low level, when the drive voltage Vk rises and the gate-source voltage of the transistor P6 exceeds the threshold value, the transistor P6 is turned on, and the gate-source voltage of the transistor P7 becomes the threshold value. Is exceeded, the transistor P7 is turned on. As a result, the gate terminal G and the source terminal S of the transistor P4 are short-circuited to turn off the transistor P4, and the gate terminal G and the source terminal S of the transistor P5 are short-circuited to turn off the transistor P5. Therefore, the light emission voltage Vh1 is 0V and the light emission element group HS1 does not flow the light emission current Ih1, and the light emission voltage Vh2 is 0V and the light emission element group HS2 does not flow the light emission current Ih2. That is, both the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 are turned off.

  At time t21, the comparison voltage Vc becomes equal to or higher than the reference voltage Vref1, the comparison result signal Vcr2 changes to high level, and the transistors P6 and P7 are turned off. Thereby, the short circuit between the gate terminal G and the source terminal S of the transistor P4 is released, and the output of the transistor P4 can be adjusted by the comparison result signal Vcr3. As a result, the light emission luminance of the light emitting element group HS1 can be adjusted. . Here, since the light emission voltage Vh1 is about 9V, when the transistor P4 is turned on, the light emission current Ih1 flows into the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS1 emits light. In addition, the short circuit between the gate terminal G and the source terminal S of the transistor P5 is released, and the output of the transistor P5 can be adjusted by the comparison result signal Vcr4. As a result, the light emission luminance of the light emitting element group HS2 can be adjusted. Here, since the light emission voltage Vh2 is about 9V, when the transistor P5 is turned on, the light emission current Ih2 flows into the light emitting element group HS2 and the light emitting element group HS2 emits light. That is, all the light emitting elements HS1a in the light emitting element group HS1 and all the light emitting elements HS2a in the light emitting element group HS2 emit light without variation at the same timing.

  When driving of the power source for driving the lighting device 30 is stopped at time t22, the drive voltage Vk starts to decrease. At this time, the comparison voltage Vc, the light emission voltage Vh1, the light emission current Ih1, the light emission voltage Vh2, and the light emission current Vh2 also start to decrease.

  At time t23, the lowered drive voltage Vk becomes less than 9V and the comparison voltage Vc becomes less than 3V. As a result, the comparison result signal Vcr2 transits to a low level, the transistors P6 and P7 are turned on again, the transistors P4 and P5 are turned off, and the light emission current Ih1 that flows through the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emission that flows through the light emitting element group HS2. The current Ih2 is stopped, and the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 are turned off simultaneously. At this time, the transistor P4 and the transistor P5 are turned off when the light emission voltage Vh1 and the light emission voltage Vh2 are higher than the reference voltage VH2, which is 8V. Therefore, the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 vary at different timings. Will not turn off.

  At time t24, the drive voltage Vk decreases to 0V. Thereby, the drive of the illuminating device 30 will be in a halt condition.

  As described above, according to the illumination device 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the light emission control unit HCc detects the magnitude relationship between the drive voltage Vk and the light emission reference voltage VH, and the drive voltage Vk is greater than the light emission reference voltage VH. If the drive voltage Vk is lower than the light emission reference voltage VH, light emission stop control is performed to stop the light emission of the light emitting element group HS. For this reason, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2.

  Further, according to the illumination device 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the dimming circuit LC1 stops the generation of the light emission current Ih1 based on the light emission stop control of the light emission control unit HCc, and the light emission control unit HCc The light emission current Ih1 is generated based on the light emission control. Further, the light control circuit LC2 stops the generation of the light emission current Ih2 based on the light emission stop control of the light emission control unit HCc, and generates the light emission current Ih2 based on the light emission control of the light emission control unit HCc. For this reason, it is necessary to arrange a transistor for performing light emission control or light emission stop control in a path through which a current for causing the light emitting element group HS to emit light, as in the lighting devices 10, 10a, 10b, 20, and 20a. Therefore, an increase in the circuit area of the lighting device that can occur by using the present invention can be suppressed.

  In the lighting device 30 according to the present embodiment, the dimming circuit LC1 is connected between the power supply circuit VS and the node Nh1, and the dimming circuit LC2 is connected between the power supply circuit VS and the node Nh2. The dimming circuit LC1 is connected between the node Nh1a and the power supply VSS, and the dimming circuit LC2 is connected between the node Nh2a and the power supply VSS. May be. Even in this case, the light control circuit LC1 generates the light emission current Ih1 based on the light emission control, stops the generation of the light emission current Ih1 based on the light emission stop control, and the light control circuit LC2 emits light based on the light emission control. If the current Ih2 is generated and the generation of the light emission current Ih2 is stopped based on the light emission stop control, the effect obtained by the present embodiment, that is, an increase in circuit area can be suppressed.

  In the illumination device 30 according to the present embodiment, the example in which the other end of the reference power supply Ref3 is connected to the non-inverting terminal of the comparator Cp4 and the reference voltage Vref3 is supplied is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The reference voltage Vref3 may be supplied to the non-inverting terminal of Cp4 by the reference power supply Ref2. In this case, instead of the reference power supply Ref3, the other end of the reference power supply Ref2 whose one end is connected to the power supply circuit VS and one end of the resistor element R3 is connected to the non-inverting terminal of the comparator Cp3 and the comparator Cp4. It may be configured to be connected to the non-inverting terminal. Thereby, the increase in the area of the illuminating device 30 can be suppressed.

[First Modification of Third Embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an illumination device 30a according to a first modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 30a includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HS, a dimming circuit LC1, a dimming circuit LC2, and a light emission control unit HCc. The lighting device 30a according to the present modification is substantially different in connection destination of each of the transistor P6 and the transistor P7 in the light emission control unit HCc as compared with the lighting device 30 illustrated in FIG. In addition, in the illuminating device 30a shown in FIG. 10, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure similar to the illuminating device 30 shown in FIG. 8, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The drain terminal D as the other end of the transistor P6 is connected to the other end of the reference power source Ref2 and the non-inverting terminal of the comparator Cp3.

  The transistor P6 is turned on when the low-level comparison result signal Vcr1 is input to the gate terminal G from the comparison circuit CNa. Thus, the drive voltage Vk is supplied as the reference voltage Vref2 to the non-inverting terminal of the comparator Cp3 regardless of the potential supplied by the reference power supply Ref2, and the comparison result signal Vcr3 output from the comparator Cp3 is based on the feedback voltage Vfb1. The gate terminal G of the transistor P4 is set to the same level as the voltage Vref2, that is, the drive voltage Vk is not dropped by the resistance element R3, in other words, the potential at both ends of the resistance element R3 is the same. Then, the transistor P4 is controlled to be turned off, and the supply of the light emission current Ih1 to the light emitting element group HS1 is stopped. That is, the light control circuit LC1 stops the generation of the light emission current Ih1 based on the light emission stop control of the light emission control unit HCc. The light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS1 is performed as described above.

  The transistor P6 is turned off when the high-level comparison result signal Vcr1 is input to the gate terminal G from the comparison circuit CNa. As a result, the voltage supplied from the reference power supply Ref2 is supplied as the reference voltage Vref2 to the non-inverting terminal of the comparator Cp3. Therefore, the current value of the light emission current Ih1 to the light emitting element group HS1 output from the transistor P4 is the comparison result signal. It can be controlled by Vcr3. That is, the light control circuit LC1 generates the light emission current Ih1 based on the light emission control of the light emission control unit HCc. The light emission control of the light emitting element group HS1 is performed as described above.

  The drain terminal D as the other end of the transistor P7 is connected to the other end of the reference power source Ref3 and the non-inverting terminal of the comparator Cp4.

  The transistor P7 is turned on when the low-level comparison result signal Vcr1 is input to the gate terminal G from the comparison circuit CNa. Accordingly, the drive voltage Vk is supplied as the reference voltage Vref3 to the non-inverting terminal of the comparator Cp4 regardless of the potential supplied by the reference power supply Ref3, and the comparison result signal Vcr4 output from the comparator Cp4 is based on the feedback voltage Vfb2. The gate terminal G of the transistor P5 is set at the same level as the voltage Vref3, that is, at a level such that the driving voltage Vk does not drop by the resistor element R4, in other words, the potential at both ends of the resistor element R4 is the same. The transistor P5 is controlled to be turned off, and the supply of the light emission current Ih2 to the light emitting element group HS2 is stopped. That is, the light control circuit LC2 stops the generation of the light emission current Ih2 based on the light emission stop control of the light emission control unit HCc. The light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS2 is performed as described above.

  The transistor P7 is turned off when the high-level comparison result signal Vcr1 is input to the gate terminal G from the comparison circuit CNa. As a result, the voltage supplied from the reference power supply Ref3 is supplied as the reference voltage Vref3 to the non-inverting terminal of the comparator Cp4. Therefore, the current value of the light emission current Ih2 to the light emitting element group HS2 output from the transistor P5 is the comparison result signal. It becomes controllable by Vcr4. That is, the light control circuit LC2 generates the light emission current Ih2 based on the light emission control of the light emission control unit HCc. The light emission control of the light emitting element group HS2 is performed as described above.

  As described above, the light emission control unit HCc detects the magnitude relationship between the drive voltage Vk and the light emission reference voltage VH, and when the drive voltage Vk is larger than the light emission reference voltage VH, the transistor P6 is turned off to turn on the transistor P4. Can be controlled by the comparison result signal Vcr3, the transistor P7 is turned off and the output of the transistor P5 can be controlled by the comparison result signal Vcr4, the light emission current Ih1 can be supplied to the light emitting element group HS1, and the light emission current Ih2 is Light emission control for allowing the light emitting element group HS to emit light that can be supplied to the light emitting element group HS2, that is, light emission control that enables the light control circuit LC1 to generate the light emission current Ih1, and the light control circuit LC2 to generate the light emission current Ih2. I do. When the drive voltage Vk is lower than the light emission reference voltage VH, the transistors P6 and P7 are turned on to forcibly stop the outputs of the transistors P4 and P5 of the dimming circuit LC1, thereby causing the light emission current Ih1. Cannot be supplied to the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emission current Ih2 cannot be supplied to the light emitting element group HS2 to stop the light emission of the light emitting element group HS. That is, the light control circuit LC1 cannot generate the light emission current Ih1. The light control circuit LC2 performs light emission stop control that disables generation of the light emission current Ih2. For this reason, according to the illuminating device 30 concerning this embodiment, the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 can be light-emitted and light-extinguished simultaneously.

  In the illumination device 30a according to the present embodiment, the light emission control and the light emission stop control are performed by the two transistors of the comparison circuit CNa, the transistor P6, and the transistor P7 of the light emission control unit HCc. The comparison circuit CNa and the transistor P6 may be used. In this case, instead of the transistor P7, the drain terminal D of the transistor P6 may be connected to the non-inverting terminal of the comparator Cp4 in addition to being connected to the non-inverting terminal of the comparator Cp3. .

[Second Modification of Third Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a view showing an illumination device 30b according to a second modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 30b includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HS, a light control circuit LC1, a light control circuit LC2, and a light emission control unit HCd. The illumination device 30b according to this modification is substantially different from the illumination device 30 shown in FIG. 8 in that a light emission control unit HCd is provided instead of the light emission control unit HCc. In addition, in the illuminating device 30b shown in FIG. 11, about the structure similar to the illuminating device 30 shown in FIG. 8, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The comparator Cp3 of the dimming circuit LC1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS, and is driven by receiving the drive voltage Vk output from the power supply circuit VS. That is, the comparison result signal Vcr3 is generated based on the drive voltage Vk.

  The comparator Cp4 of the dimming circuit LC2 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and driven by receiving the drive voltage Vk output from the power supply circuit VS. That is, the comparison result signal Vcr4 is generated based on the drive voltage Vk.

  The light emission control unit HCd includes a transistor N3, a transistor N4, and a comparison circuit CNa.

  The transistor N3 is an NMOS transistor, and has a source terminal S as one end connected to the power source VSS and a drain terminal D as the other end connected to the comparator Cp3. Thereby, the comparator Cp3 is connected to the power supply VSS via the transistor N3. The transistor N3 has a gate terminal G as a control terminal connected to the comparison circuit CNa. The transistor N3 is controlled to be turned on / off by a comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa and input to the gate terminal G, thereby performing light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS1.

  The transistor N3 is turned off when the low-level comparison result signal Vcr2 is input to the gate terminal G from the comparison circuit CNa. As a result, the connection between the comparator Cp3 and the power source VSS is cut off, the comparison result signal Vcr3 output from the comparator Cp3 is forcibly set to the high level, and the gate terminal G of the transistor P4 has almost the same voltage as the drive voltage Vk. Level voltage is supplied. Thereby, the transistor P4 is forcibly turned off regardless of the comparison result between the reference voltage Vref2 and the feedback voltage Vfb1 in the comparator Cp3, and the supply of the light emission current Ih1 to the light emitting element group HS1 is stopped. That is, the light control circuit LC1 stops the generation of the light emission current Ih1 based on the light emission stop control of the light emission control unit HCd. The light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS1 is performed as described above.

  The transistor N3 is turned on when the high-level comparison result signal Vcr2 is input to the gate terminal G from the comparison circuit CNa. Thereby, the comparator Cp3 and the power source VSS are electrically connected, and the comparator Cp3 can output the comparison result signal Vcr3 based on the comparison result between the reference voltage Vref2 and the feedback voltage Vfb1. Therefore, the current value of the light emission current Ih1 output from the transistor P4 to the light emitting element group HS1 can be controlled by the comparison result signal Vcr3. That is, the light control circuit LC1 generates the light emission current Ih1 based on the light emission control of the light emission control unit HCd. The light emission control of the light emitting element group HS1 is performed as described above.

  The transistor N4 is an NMOS transistor, and has a source terminal S as one end connected to the power source VSS and a drain terminal D as the other end connected to the comparator Cp4. Thereby, the comparator Cp4 is connected to the power supply VSS via the transistor N4. The transistor N4 has a gate terminal G as a control terminal connected to the comparison circuit CNa. The transistor N4 is controlled to be turned on / off by a comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa and input to the gate terminal G, thereby performing light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS2.

  The transistor N4 is turned off when the low-level comparison result signal Vcr2 is input to the gate terminal G from the comparison circuit CNa. As a result, the connection between the comparator Cp4 and the power source VSS is cut off, the comparison result signal Vcr4 output from the comparator Cp4 is forcibly set to the high level, and the gate terminal G of the transistor P5 has almost the same voltage as the drive voltage Vk. Level voltage is supplied. Thereby, the transistor P5 is forcibly turned off regardless of the comparison result between the reference voltage Vref3 and the feedback voltage Vfb1 in the comparator Cp3, and the supply of the light emission current Ih2 to the light emitting element group HS2 is stopped. That is, the light control circuit LC2 stops the generation of the light emission current Ih2 based on the light emission stop control of the light emission control unit HCd. The light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS2 is performed as described above.

  The transistor N4 is turned on when the high-level comparison result signal Vcr2 is input to the gate terminal G from the comparison circuit CNa. Thereby, the comparator Cp4 and the power source VSS are electrically connected, and the comparator Cp4 can output the comparison result signal Vcr4 based on the comparison result between the reference voltage Vref3 and the feedback voltage Vfb2. Therefore, the current value of the light emission current Ih2 output from the transistor P5 to the light emitting element group HS2 can be controlled by the comparison result signal Vcr4. That is, the light control circuit LC2 generates the light emission current Ih2 based on the light emission control of the light emission control unit HCd. The light emission control of the light emitting element group HS2 is performed as described above.

  As described above, the light emission control unit HCd detects the magnitude relationship between the drive voltage Vk and the light emission reference voltage VH. When the drive voltage Vk is larger than the light emission reference voltage VH, the transistor N3 is turned on to turn on the transistor P4. Can be controlled by a comparison result signal Vcr3 based on the comparison between the reference voltage Vref2 and the feedback voltage Vfb1, and the transistor N4 is turned on, and the output of the transistor P5 is compared based on the comparison between the reference voltage Vref3 and the feedback voltage Vfb2. The light emission control that can be controlled by the signal Vcr4 so that the light emission current Ih1 can be supplied to the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emission current Ih2 can be supplied to the light emitting element group HS2 is performed. The light emission current Ih1 can be generated, and the light control circuit LC2 Controlling the light emission to be generated photocurrent Ih2. When the drive voltage Vk is smaller than the light emission reference voltage VH, the transistor N3 is turned off and controlled by the comparison result signal Vcr3 based on the comparison between the output reference voltage Vref2 of the transistor P4 of the dimming circuit LC1 and the feedback voltage Vfb1. The transistor N4 is forcibly turned off, and the transistor N4 is controlled to be uncontrollable by the comparison result signal Vcr4 based on the comparison between the output reference voltage Vref3 of the transistor P5 of the dimming circuit LC2 and the feedback voltage Vfb2. Light emission stop control for stopping the light emission of the light emitting element group HS by disabling the supply of Ih1 to the light emitting element group HS1 and the supply of the light emission current Ih2 to the light emitting element group HS2, that is, the light control circuit LC1 cannot generate the light emission current Ih1 In the dimming circuit LC2, the light emission current Ih2 is not generated. Performing emission stop control to. For this reason, according to the illuminating device 30 concerning this embodiment, the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2 can be light-emitted and light-extinguished simultaneously.

  Further, in the lighting device 30b according to the present embodiment, the light emission control and the light emission stop control are performed by the two transistors of the comparison circuit CNa, the transistor N3, and the transistor N4 of the light emission control unit HCd. The comparison circuit CNa and the transistor N3 may be used. In this case, the drain terminal D of the transistor N3 may be connected to the comparator Cp4 in addition to being connected to the comparator Cp3.

[Third Modification of Third Embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an illumination device 30c according to a third modification of the third embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 30c includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HS, a light emission control unit HCe, a light control circuit LC11, and a light control circuit LC12. The illumination device 30c according to the present modification includes a light emission control unit HCe instead of the light emission control unit HCc, and the dimming circuit LC1 and the dimming circuit LC2 compared to the illumination device 30 illustrated in FIG. Instead, it is substantially different in that a light control circuit LC11 and a light control circuit LC12 are provided. In addition, in the illuminating device 30c shown in FIG. 12, about the structure similar to the illuminating device 30 shown in FIG. 8, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The light emission control unit HCe detects the magnitude relationship between the drive voltage Vk and the light emission reference voltage VH, and performs light emission control for causing the light emitting element group HS to emit light when the drive voltage Vk is greater than the light emission reference voltage VH. When the voltage Vk is lower than the light emission reference voltage VH, light emission stop control is performed to stop the light emission of the light emitting element group HS. The light emission control unit HCe includes a comparison circuit CN.

  One end of the dimming circuit LC11 is connected to the node Nd1, and thereby connected to the power supply circuit VS. The other end of the dimming circuit LC11 is connected to the node Nh1. In other words, the node Nh1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS via the dimming circuit LC11 and the node Nd1. The light control circuit LC11 adjusts the light emission current Ih1 flowing through the light emitting element group HS1 to a predetermined current value, and thereby adjusts the light emission luminance of the light emitting element group HS1. The dimming circuit LC11 includes a transistor PD1 as a first dimming switch, a current generation circuit VC1 as a first current generation circuit, a comparison circuit CNL11 as a first dimming comparison circuit, and a first drive. And a drive circuit KD1 as a circuit.

  The transistor PD1 is a PMOS transistor, and the source terminal S is connected to the power supply circuit VS.

  The current generation circuit VC1 includes an inductor L1, a capacitor C1, and a rectifier diode D1. One end of the inductor L1 is connected to the drain terminal D of the transistor PD1. One end of the capacitor C1 is connected to the other end of the inductor L1, and the other end is connected to the power source VSS. The rectifier diode D1 has an anode connected to the power supply VSS and a cathode connected to a connection point between the drain terminal D of the transistor PD1 and one end of the inductor L1.

  The current generation circuit VC1 accumulates magnetic energy based on the drive voltage Vk output from the transistor PD1 when the transistor PD1 is turned on by the inductor L1, and smoothes it by the capacitor C1 to generate the light emission voltage Vh1 and the light emission current Ih1. And output. Further, when the transistor PD1 is off, the current generation circuit VC1 supplies the magnetic energy accumulated in the inductor L1 to the capacitor C1 via the rectifier diode D1, and the magnetic energy is smoothed by the capacitor C1 to emit light. A voltage Vh1 and a light emission current Ih1 are generated and output. That is, the current generation circuit VC1 steps down the drive voltage Vk obtained according to the on / off state of the transistor PD1 to generate and output the light emission voltage Vh1 and the light emission current Ih1.

  The comparison circuit CNL11 has a reference power supply Ref4 and a comparator Cp5.

  One end of the reference power supply Ref4 is connected to the power supply VSS, and generates a reference voltage Vref4 as a first dimming reference voltage. The reference voltage Vref4 is 2V, for example.

  In the comparator Cp5, the node Nd8 at the connection point between the node Nh1a and the resistance element Rh1 is connected to the non-inverting terminal, and the feedback voltage Vfb3 as the first dimming comparison voltage that is the potential of the node Nd8 is input. A reference power supply Ref4 is connected and a reference voltage Vref4 is input. The comparator Cp5 compares the feedback voltage Vfb3 with the reference voltage Vref4 and, based on the comparison result, the comparison result signal as the first control signal so that the potential of the node Nd8 becomes the same level as the reference voltage Vref4. Vcr5 is output to adjust the magnitude of the light emission current Vh1 generated by the transistor PD1 and the current generation circuit VC1. For example, when the feedback voltage Vfb3 is smaller than the reference voltage Vref4, the comparator Cp5 outputs a high-level comparison result signal Vcr5 to increase the potential of the node Nd8. For example, when the feedback voltage Vfb3 is higher than the reference voltage Vref4, the comparator Cp5 outputs a low-level comparison result signal Vcr5 so as to lower the potential of the node Nd8.

  As described above, the comparison circuit CNL11 detects the feedback voltage Vfb3 based on the light emission voltage Vh1, and outputs the comparison result signal Vcr5 so that the light emission current Ih1 flowing through the light emitting element group HS1 becomes a desired value. Adjust the output of PD1.

  The drive circuit KD1 is connected to the gate terminal G as the control terminal of the transistor PD1 and the output terminal of the comparator Cp5 of the comparison circuit CNL11. The drive circuit KD1 receives the comparison result signal Vcr5 output from the comparator Cp5, in other words, the comparison circuit CNL11. In response, the drive signal Vs1 as the first drive signal is supplied to the transistor PD1. For example, when the low-level comparison result signal Vcr5 is received, the drive circuit KD1 supplies the high-level drive signal Vs1 to, for example, 5V to the gate terminal G of the transistor PD1. Thereby, the transistor PD1 is turned off, and the supply of the voltage based on the drive voltage Vk to the inductor L1 is stopped. For example, when the high-level comparison result signal Vcr5 is received, the low-level drive signal Vs1 of, for example, 0V is supplied to the gate terminal G of the transistor PD1. As a result, the transistor PD1 is turned on, and a voltage based on the drive voltage Vk is supplied to the inductor L1. The drive circuit KD1 may be configured to perform PWM control for supplying a PWM signal having a predetermined duty ratio to the gate terminal G of the transistor PD1.

  As described above, the dimming circuit LC11 adjusts the light emission current Ih1 output from the transistor PD1 to a predetermined current value by the drive signal Vs1 based on the comparison result signal Vcr5 output from the comparison circuit CNL11. Thus, the light emission luminance of the light emitting element group HS1 is adjusted.

  One end of the dimming circuit LC12 is connected to the node Nd1, and thereby connected to the power supply circuit VS. The other end of the dimming circuit LC12 is connected to the node Nh2. In other words, the node Nh2 is connected to the power supply circuit VS via the dimming circuit LC12 and the node Nd1. The light control circuit LC12 adjusts the light emission current Ih2 flowing through the light emitting element group HS2 to a predetermined current value, thereby adjusting the light emission luminance of the light emitting element group HS2. The dimming circuit LC12 includes a transistor PD2 as a second dimming switch, a current generation circuit VC2 as a second current generation circuit, a comparison circuit CNL12 as a second dimming comparison circuit, and a second drive. And a drive circuit KD2 as a circuit.

  The transistor PD2 is a PMOS transistor, and the source terminal S is connected to the power supply circuit VS.

  The current generation circuit VC2 includes an inductor L2, a capacitor C2, and a rectifier diode D2. One end of the inductor L2 is connected to the drain terminal D of the transistor PD2. One end of the capacitor C2 is connected to the other end of the inductor L2, and the other end is connected to the power source VSS. The rectifier diode D2 has an anode connected to the power supply VSS and a cathode connected to a connection point between the drain terminal D of the transistor PD2 and one end of the inductor L2.

  The current generation circuit VC2 accumulates magnetic energy based on the drive voltage Vk output from the transistor PD2 when the transistor PD2 is turned on by the inductor L2, and smoothes it by the capacitor C2 to generate the light emission voltage Vh2 and the light emission current Ih2. And output. In addition, when the transistor PD2 is off, the current generation circuit VC2 supplies the magnetic energy accumulated in the inductor L2 to the capacitor D2 via the rectifier diode D2, and the magnetic energy is smoothed by the capacitor C2 to emit light. A voltage Vh2 and a light emission current Ih2 are generated and output. That is, the current generation circuit VC2 steps down the drive voltage Vk obtained according to the on / off state of the transistor PD2 to generate and output the light emission voltage Vh2 and the light emission current Ih2.

  The comparison circuit CNL12 has a reference power supply Ref5 and a comparator Cp6.

  One end of the reference power supply Ref5 is connected to the power supply VSS, and generates a reference voltage Vref5 as a second dimming reference voltage. The reference voltage Vref5 is 2V, for example.

  In the comparator Cp6, the node Nd9 at the connection point between the node Nh2a and the resistance element Rh2 is connected to the non-inverting terminal, and the feedback voltage Vfb4 as the second dimming comparison voltage that is the potential of the node Nd9 is input. A reference power supply Ref5 is connected and a reference voltage Vref5 is input. The comparator Cp6 compares the feedback voltage Vfb4 and the reference voltage Vref5, and based on the comparison result, the comparison result signal as the second control signal is set so that the potential of the node Nd9 becomes the same level as the reference voltage Vref5. Vcr6 is output to adjust the magnitude of the light emission current Vh2 generated by the transistor PD2 and the current generation circuit VC2. For example, when the feedback voltage Vfb4 is smaller than the reference voltage Vref5, the comparator Cp6 outputs a high-level comparison result signal Vcr6 to increase the potential of the node Nd9. For example, when the feedback voltage Vfb4 is higher than the reference voltage Vref5, the comparator Cp6 outputs a low-level comparison result signal Vcr6 so as to lower the potential of the node Nd9.

  As described above, the comparison circuit CNL12 detects the feedback voltage Vfb4 based on the light emission voltage Vh2, and outputs the comparison result signal Vcr6 so that the light emission current Ih2 flowing in the light emitting element group HS2 becomes a desired value. Adjust the output of PD2.

  The drive circuit KD2 is connected to the gate terminal G as a control terminal of the transistor PD2 and the output terminal of the comparator Cp6 of the comparison circuit CNL12. The drive circuit KD2 receives the comparison result signal Vcr6 output from the comparator Cp6, in other words, the comparison circuit CNL12. In response, a drive signal Vs2 as a second drive signal is supplied to the transistor PD2. For example, when the low-level comparison result signal Vcr6 is received, the drive circuit KD2 supplies the high-level drive signal Vs2 to, for example, 5V to the gate terminal G of the transistor PD2. As a result, the transistor PD2 is turned off, and the supply of the voltage based on the drive voltage Vk to the inductor L2 is stopped. For example, when the high-level comparison result signal Vcr6 is received, the low-level driving signal Vs2 at 0V, for example, is supplied to the gate terminal G of the transistor PD2. As a result, the transistor PD2 is turned on, and a voltage based on the drive voltage Vk is supplied to the inductor L2. The drive circuit KD2 may be configured to perform PWM control for supplying a PWM signal having a predetermined duty ratio to the gate terminal G of the transistor PD2.

  As described above, the dimming circuit LC12 adjusts the light emission current Ih2 output from the transistor PD2 to a predetermined current value with the drive signal Vs2 based on the comparison result signal Vcr6 output from the comparison circuit CNL12. Thus, the light emission luminance of the light emitting element group HS2 is adjusted.

  When the drive voltage Vk is lower than the light emission reference voltage VH and the light emission control unit HCe needs to perform light emission stop control, the drive circuit KD1 is supplied with the low-level comparison result signal Vcr1 and is output to the output of the comparison circuit CNL11. Regardless, the high-level drive signal Vs1 is output to forcibly turn off the transistor PD1. Thereby, the supply of the light emission current Ih1 to the light emitting element group HS1 is stopped. Further, when the drive voltage Vk is higher than the light emission reference voltage VH and the light emission control unit HCe needs to perform light emission control, the drive circuit KD1 is supplied with the high-level comparison result signal Vcr1 and the output of the comparison circuit CNL11. A drive signal Vs1 corresponding to the above is output to control on / off of the transistor PD1. As a result, the current value of the light emission current Ih1 flowing through the light emitting element group HS1 can be controlled by the comparison result signal Vcr5.

  When the drive voltage Vk is lower than the light emission reference voltage VH and the light emission control unit HCe needs to perform light emission stop control, the drive circuit KD2 is supplied with the low-level comparison result signal Vcr1 and is output to the output of the comparison circuit CNL12. Regardless, the high level drive signal Vs2 is output to forcibly turn off the transistor PD2. Thereby, the supply of the light emission current Ih2 to the light emitting element group HS2 is stopped. Further, when the drive voltage Vk is higher than the light emission reference voltage VH and the light emission control unit HCe needs to perform light emission control, the drive circuit KD2 is supplied with the high-level comparison result signal Vcr2, and the output of the comparison circuit CNL12 A drive signal Vs2 corresponding to the output is output to control on / off of the transistor PD2. Thus, the current value of the light emission current Ih2 flowing through the light emitting element group HS2 can be controlled by the comparison result signal Vcr6.

  As described above, according to the illumination device 30c according to the third modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention, the light emission control unit HCe detects the magnitude relationship between the drive voltage Vk and the light emission reference voltage VH, and the drive voltage Vk. Is controlled to emit light when the driving voltage Vk is lower than the light emission reference voltage VH, light emission stop control is performed to stop the light emission of the light emitting element group HS. Do. For this reason, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS1 and the light emitting element group HS2.

  In addition, although the asynchronous rectification step-down converter using the rectifier diodes D1 and D2 has been described as an example of the lighting device 30c, the lighting device 30c is not limited thereto, and may be a synchronous rectification step-down converter. Further, the present invention is not limited to the step-down converter, and may be a step-up converter or a step-up / step-down converter.

  In the illumination device 30c, PMOS transistors are employed as the transistors PD1 and PD2, but NMOS transistors may be employed as these transistors. In this case, when receiving the low-level comparison result signal Vcr5, the drive circuit KD1 supplies the low-level drive signal Vs1 to, for example, 0V to the gate terminal G of the transistor PD1, and the high-level comparison result signal When Vcr5 is received, for example, a high-level drive signal Vs1 at 5V may be supplied to the gate terminal G of the transistor PD1. In addition, when receiving the low level comparison result signal Vcr6, the drive circuit KD2 supplies the low level drive signal Vs2 to the gate terminal G of the transistor PD2, for example, at 0V, and receives the high level comparison result signal Vcr6. In this case, for example, a high level drive signal Vs2 at 5V may be supplied to the gate terminal G of the transistor PD2. When an NMOS transistor is used as the transistor PD1, the drive circuit KD1 may boost the comparison result signal Vc5 to generate the drive signal Vs1, and when an NMOS transistor is used as the transistor PD2, The drive circuit KD2 may boost the comparison result signal Vc6 to generate the drive signal Vs2.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a lighting device 40 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The lighting device 40 includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC1 as a first semiconductor chip, and a semiconductor chip IC1a as a second semiconductor chip. In the lighting device 40 shown in FIG. 13, the same components as those of the lighting device 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the lighting device 10a shown in FIG. .

  The light emitting element group HSB includes a light emitting element group HS and a light emitting element group HSa. The light emitting element group HS includes a light emitting element group HS1 and a light emitting element group HS2 as a first light emitting element group. The light emitting element group HSa includes a light emitting element group HS11 and a light emitting element group HS12 as a second light emitting element group.

  Here, the “first light emission voltage” in the claims of the present application corresponds to the light emission voltage Vh2, the “first light emission reference voltage” corresponds to the light emission reference voltage VH2, The “light-emitting current” corresponds to the light-emitting current Ih2, and the “first light-emitting element” corresponds to the light-emitting element HS2a.

  The light emitting element group HS11 includes a plurality of light emitting elements HS11a connected in series with each other and a resistance element Rh11. The light emitting element HS11a is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and is a self light emitting element. The cathode of the light emitting element HS11a as one end of the light emitting element group HS11 is connected to one end of the resistance element Rh11. The other end of the resistance element Rh11 is connected to a power supply VSS having a potential lower than the drive voltage Vk, for example, 0V. The light emitting element HS11a is not limited to the LED, and organic EL (Electro Luminescence) elements as self-light emitting elements such as light emitting polymers can be applied.

  In the light emitting element group HS11, when the light emitting voltage Vh11 based on the driving voltage Vk is applied to the anode of the light emitting element HS11a as the other end of the light emitting reference voltage VH11 or more, and the light emitting current Ih11 flows to each of the light emitting elements HS11a. Emits light. Note that the current value of the light emission current Ih11 is determined based on the resistance value of the resistance element Rh11. Further, each of the light emitting elements HS11a has an internal resistance, and the forward voltage per light emitting element HS11a is 2 V, for example.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the light emission reference voltage VH11 for the light emitting element group HS11 to emit light includes four light emitting elements HS11a having a forward voltage of 2V in which the light emitting element groups HS11 are connected in series. For example, 8V. That is, in order for the light emitting element group HS11 to emit light, the light emission voltage Vh11 applied to the anode of the light emitting element HS11a at the other end needs to be 8V or more.

  Here, “the anode of the light emitting element HS11a as the other end of the light emitting element group HS11” is referred to as a node Nh11, and “the cathode of the light emitting element HS11a as one end of the light emitting element group HS11” is referred to as a node Nh11a. Further, “the light emission current Ih11 flows in each of the light emitting elements HS11a” is described as “the light emission current Ih11 flows in the light emitting element group HS11”.

  The light emitting element group HS12 includes a plurality of light emitting elements HS12a as second light emitting elements connected in series with each other, and a resistance element Rh12. The light emitting element HS12a is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and is a self light emitting element. The cathode of the light emitting element HS12a as one end of the light emitting element group HS12 is connected to one end of the resistance element Rh12. The other end of the resistance element Rh12 is connected to the power supply VSS. Note that the light emitting element HS12a is not limited to an LED, and organic EL (Electro Luminescence) elements as self light emitting elements such as a light emitting polymer are also applicable.

  The light emitting element group HS12 has a light emission voltage Vh12 as a second light emission voltage based on the drive voltage Vk that is higher than the light emission reference voltage VH11. When the light emitting current Ih12 as the second light emitting current is applied to the anode of the light emitting element HS12a and flows into each of the light emitting elements HS12a, light is emitted. Note that the current value of the light emission current Ih12 is determined based on the resistance value of the resistance element Rh12. Each light emitting element HS12a has an internal resistance, and the forward voltage per light emitting element HS12a is 2 V, for example.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the light emission reference voltage VH12 for the light emitting element group HS12 to emit light includes five light emitting elements HS12a having a forward voltage of 2V in which the light emitting element groups HS12 are connected in series. For example, 10V. That is, in order for the light emitting element group HS12 to emit light, the light emission voltage Vh12 applied to the anode of the light emitting element HS12a at the other end needs to be 10V or more.

  Here, “the anode of the light emitting element HS12a as the other end of the light emitting element group HS12” is referred to as a node Nh12, and “the cathode of the light emitting element HS12a as one end of the light emitting element group HS12” is referred to as a node Nh12a. Further, “the light emission current Ih12 flows through each of the light emitting elements HS12a” is described as “the light emission current Ih12 flows through the light emitting element group HS12”.

  Here, in the present embodiment, in order for the light emitting element group HSa to emit light without variation therein, in other words, for the light emitting element group HS11 and the light emitting element group HS12 to emit light simultaneously, the light emission reference voltage VH12 which is 10V. Since this is higher than the light emission reference voltage VH11 which is 8V, a voltage larger than 10V which is the light emission reference voltage VH12 needs to be applied to the light emitting element group HSa as the light emission voltage Vha. Here, a voltage for causing the light emitting element group HSa to emit light without variation therein is referred to as a light emission reference voltage VHa. The light emitting element group HSa emits light when a light emission voltage Vha equal to or higher than the light emission reference voltage VHa based on the light emission reference voltage VH12 is applied. In the present embodiment, the light emission reference voltage VHa is 10 V, which is the same as the light emission reference voltage VH12.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the light emitting element group HS12 includes more light emitting elements HS12a than the number of light emitting elements HS11a provided in the light emitting element group HS11 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the illuminating device 40 according to the present invention is remarkable when the light emission reference voltage VH11 necessary for the light emitting element group HS11 to emit light and the light emission reference voltage VH12 necessary for the light emitting element group HS12 to emit light are different. This does not prevent the number of light emitting elements included in the light emitting element group HS11 and the light emitting element group HS12 from being the same. Similarly, the light emitting element group HS11 and the light emitting element group HS12 may include one LED.

  Here, if the light emission voltage Vha of the light emission reference voltage VH11 or more and the light emission reference voltage VH12 or less is applied to the light emitting element group HSa without any control, the light emitting element group HS11 emits light, and the light emitting element group The HS 12 does not emit light. Further, when the light emission voltage Vha that is equal to or higher than the light emission reference voltage VH12 is applied to the light emitting element group HSa, the light emitting element group HS12 emits light in addition to the light emitting element group HS11. That is, when a light emission voltage Vh lower than the light emission reference voltage VH12 is applied to the light emitting element group HSa, the light emission timings of the light emitting element group HS11 and the light emitting element group HS12 vary, and light emission as a whole of the light emitting element group HSa is performed. There is a risk of being disturbed. In particular, when used in an in-vehicle exterior lamp, disturbance of light emission of the light emitting element group may lead to an accident. In the illumination device 40 according to the present invention, such a problem is prevented from occurring.

  Here, in the present embodiment, in order for the light emitting element group HSB to emit light without variation inside, in other words, for the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa to emit light simultaneously, the light emission reference voltage VH12 which is 10V. Is higher than the light emission reference voltage VH2, which is 8V, a voltage higher than 10V, which is the light emission reference voltage VH12, is applied to the light emitting element group HS as the light emission voltage Vh and applied to the light emitting element group HSa as the light emission voltage Vha. Need to be applied. Here, a voltage for causing the light emitting element group HSB to emit light without variation therein is referred to as a light emission reference voltage VHB. In the light emitting element group HSB, a light emission voltage Vh equal to or higher than the light emission reference voltage VHB based on the light emission reference voltage VH12 is applied to the light emitting element group HS, and a light emission voltage Vha equal to or higher than the light emission reference voltage VHB is applied to the light emitting element group HSa. Flashes on. In the present embodiment, the light emission reference voltage VHB is 10 V, which is the same as the light emission reference voltage VH12.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the light emitting element group HS12 includes more light emitting elements HS12a than the number of the light emitting elements HS2a provided in the light emitting element group HS2 is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the illuminating device 40 according to the present invention is remarkable when the light emission reference voltage VH2 necessary for the light emitting element group HS2 to emit light and the light emission reference voltage VH12 necessary for the light emitting element group HS12 to emit light are different. This does not prevent the number of light emitting elements included in the light emitting element group HS2 and the light emitting element group HS12 from being the same. Similarly, the light emitting element group HS2 and the light emitting element group HS12 may include one LED.

  Here, without any control, a light emission voltage Vh that is equal to or higher than the light emission reference voltage VH2 and equal to or lower than the light emission reference voltage VH12 is applied to the light emitting element group HS, and the light emission reference voltage VH2 is equal to or higher than the light emission reference voltage VH2 to the light emitting element group HSa. When a light emission voltage Vha equal to or lower than VH12 is applied, the light emitting element group HS2 emits light and the light emitting element group HS12 does not emit light. Further, when the light emission voltage Vha that is equal to or higher than the light emission reference voltage VH12 is applied to the light emitting element group HSa, the light emitting element group HS12 emits light in addition to the light emitting element group HS2. That is, when a light emission voltage Vh lower than the light emission reference voltage VH12 is applied to the light emitting element group HSa, the light emission timings of the light emitting element group HS2 and the light emitting element group HS12 vary, and light emission as a whole of the light emitting element group HSB is performed. There is a risk of being disturbed. In particular, when used in an in-vehicle exterior lamp, disturbance of light emission of the light emitting element group may lead to an accident. In the illumination device 40 according to the present invention, such a problem is prevented from occurring.

  The semiconductor chip IC1 includes an electrode pad T1, an electrode pad T2, an electrode pad T3, an electrode pad T4, and an electrode pad T5 as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. Further, the semiconductor chip IC1 includes a light emission control unit HC1 as a first light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1, and a light control circuit LC2 as a first light control unit.

  The electrode pad T1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W1 as a first power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC1. The electrode pad T2 is connected to the node Nh1 of the light emitting element group HS1. The electrode pad T3 is connected to the node Nh2 of the light emitting element group HS2. The electrode pad T4 is connected to the power supply VSS.

  The light emission control unit HC1 includes a comparison circuit CN as a first comparison circuit, a transistor P1 as a first control switch, and a transistor P8 as a third control switch.

  The comparison circuit CN is connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1. The comparison circuit CN determines whether the drive voltage Vk is larger or smaller than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, and outputs the result as the comparison result signal Vcr1.

  The transistor P1 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1, and the drain terminal D is connected to one end of the dimming circuit LC1 and the dimming circuit LC2. The gate terminal G is connected to the electrode pad T5.

  The transistor P8 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the comparison circuit CN, and the drain terminal D is connected to the gate terminal G of the transistor P1 and the electrode pad T5. Thus, the comparison circuit CN and the gate terminal G of the transistor P1 are connected via the transistor P8, and the electrical connection between the comparison circuit CN and the gate terminal G of the transistor P1 is controlled by the transistor P8. The transistor P8 has a gate terminal G connected to the electrode pad T4, in other words, connected to the power source VSS via the electrode pad T4. As a result, in the transistor P8, the drive voltage Vk rises, the signal level of the comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN and supplied to the source terminal S of the transistor P8 rises, and the gate-source voltage of the transistor P8 increases. Turns on when the voltage exceeds the threshold voltage. Here, a connection point between the drain terminal D of the transistor P8 and the gate terminal G of the transistor P1 is referred to as a node Nd10.

  One end of the light control circuit LC1 is connected to the drain terminal D of the transistor P1 of the light emission control unit HC. The other end of the dimming circuit LC1 is connected to the electrode pad T2, in other words, connected to the node Nh1 of the light emitting element group HS1 via the electrode pad T2.

  One end of the light control circuit LC2 is connected to the drain terminal D of the transistor P1 of the light emission control unit HC. The other end of the light control circuit LC2 is connected to the electrode pad T3, in other words, connected to the node Nh2 of the light emitting element group HS2 via the electrode pad T3.

  The semiconductor chip IC1a has the same configuration as the semiconductor chip IC1. However, in the semiconductor chip IC1a of FIG. 13, for the sake of convenience of explanation, “a” is added to the end of the configuration shown in the semiconductor chip IC1 in order to distinguish it from the semiconductor chip IC1. In the semiconductor chip IC1a, the description of the configuration described in the semiconductor chip IC1 is omitted as appropriate. The “comparison circuit CN” is herein referred to as “comparison circuit CNaa” in order to distinguish it from the “comparison circuit CNa” shown in FIG.

  The semiconductor chip IC1a includes an electrode pad T1a, an electrode pad T2a, an electrode pad T3a, an electrode pad T4a, and an electrode pad T5a as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. The semiconductor chip IC1a includes a light emission control unit HC1a as a second light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1a, and a light control circuit LC2a as a second light control unit. The light emission control unit HC1a includes a comparison circuit CNaa as a second comparison circuit, a transistor P1a as a second control switch, and a transistor P8a.

  The electrode pad T1a is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W2 as a second power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W2 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC1a. The electrode pad T2a is connected to the node Nh11 of the light emitting element group HS11. The electrode pad T3a is connected to the node Nh12 of the light emitting element group HS12. The wiring W2 has a lower wiring resistance than the wiring W1, for example.

  One end of the light control circuit LC1a is connected to the drain terminal D of the transistor P1a of the light emission control unit HC1a. The other end of the dimming circuit LC1a is connected to the electrode pad T2a, and is thereby connected to the node Nh11 of the light emitting element group HS11 via the electrode pad T2a.

  One end of the light control circuit LC2a is connected to the drain terminal D of the transistor P1a of the light emission control unit HC1a. Further, the other end of the light control circuit LC2a is connected to the electrode pad T3a, and thereby connected to the node Nh12 of the light emitting element group HS12 through the electrode pad T3a.

  The electrode pad T4a is connected to the power supply circuit VS. Thereby, in the transistor P8a, the gate terminal G is always connected to the power supply circuit VS. Therefore, the transistor P8a is not turned on even when the voltage level of the drive voltage Vk is increased, and is always in the off state.

  The electrode pad T5a is connected to the electrode pad T5 of the semiconductor chip IC1 by a wiring W3 as a first connection wiring. That is, the wiring W3 electrically connects the node Nd10 and the node Nd10a. Thereby, the gate terminal G of the transistor P1 and the gate terminal G of the transistor P1a are electrically connected.

  As described above, in the lighting device 40, the gate terminal G of the transistor P8 of the semiconductor chip IC1 is electrically connected to the power supply VSS in the light emission control unit HC1, so that the gate terminal G of the transistor P1 from the comparison circuit CN. Since the comparison result signal Vcr1 is supplied to the power supply circuit VS and the gate terminal G of the transistor P8a of the semiconductor chip IC1a is electrically connected to the power supply circuit VS in the light emission control unit HC1a, the comparison circuit CNaa The supply of the comparison result signal Vcr1a to the gate terminal G of the transistor P1a is cut off. The gate terminal G of the transistor P1 connected to the comparison circuit CN is electrically connected to the gate terminal G of the transistor P1a through the wiring W3. Then, the illumination device 40 thereby controls the light emission control and light emission stop of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC1, and the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa connected to the semiconductor chip IC1a. The light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC1 of the semiconductor chip IC1.

  Therefore, according to the lighting device 40, even if there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CN of the semiconductor chip IC1 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC1a, the light emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa. In addition, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of turning off the lights.

  Further, according to the lighting device 40, the semiconductor chip IC1 is driven from the power supply circuit VS rather than the wiring resistance of the wiring W2 for the semiconductor chip IC1a to receive the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS. When the wiring resistance of the wiring W1 for receiving the power supply of the voltage Vk and the driving current Ik is larger, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC1, and the connection to the semiconductor chip IC1a Since the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa are performed by the light emission control unit HC1 of the semiconductor chip IC1, an increase in the potential of the drive voltage Vk acquired by the comparison circuit CN of the semiconductor chip IC1 A drive acquired by the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC1a based on the difference in wiring resistance between W1 and the wiring W2. Even when the delay compared to the rise of the potential of the voltage Vk, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa.

[First Modification of Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 14 is a view showing an illumination device 40a according to a first modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 40a includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC1, and a semiconductor chip IC1a. In addition, in the illuminating device 40a shown in FIG. 14, about the structure similar to the illuminating device 40 shown in FIG. 13, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The lighting device 40a is substantially different from the lighting device 40 in the connection destination of the electrode pad T4 of the semiconductor chip IC1 and the connection destination of the electrode pad T4a of the semiconductor chip IC1a.

  The electrode pad T4 is connected to the power supply circuit VS. Thereby, in the transistor P8, the gate terminal G is always connected to the power supply circuit VS. Therefore, the transistor P8 is not turned on even when the voltage level of the drive voltage Vk is increased, and is always in the off state.

  The electrode pad T4a is connected to the power supply VSS. Thereby, in the transistor P8a, the gate terminal G is connected to the power supply VSS. Therefore, the transistor P8a is turned on when the drive voltage Vk rises and the gate-source voltage of the transistor P8 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold voltage.

  As described above, in the illumination device 40a, the gate terminal G of the transistor P8 of the semiconductor chip IC1 is electrically connected to the power supply circuit VS in the light emission control unit HC1, so that the gate of the transistor P1 is compared with the comparison circuit CN. The supply of the comparison result signal Vcr1 to the terminal G is interrupted, and the gate terminal G of the transistor P8a of the semiconductor chip IC1a is electrically connected to the power supply VSS in the light emission control unit HC1a, so that the comparison circuit CNaa. To the gate terminal G of the transistor P1a is supplied with the comparison result signal Vcr1a. In addition, the gate terminal G of the transistor P1a connected to the comparison circuit CNaa is electrically connected to the gate terminal G of the transistor P1 through the wiring W3. Then, the illumination device 40 thereby controls the light emission control and light emission stop of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC1, and the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa connected to the semiconductor chip IC1a. The light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC1a of the semiconductor chip IC1a.

  Therefore, according to the illuminating device 40a, even if there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CN of the semiconductor chip IC1 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC1a, the light emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa. In addition, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of turning off the lights.

  As described above, the light emission control and the light emission stop control in the lighting device configured to include the semiconductor chip IC1 and the semiconductor chip IC1a are performed by the light emission control unit HC1 of the semiconductor chip IC1 or the light emission control unit HC1a of the semiconductor chip IC1a. It is done in either one.

[Second Modification of Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an illumination device 40b according to a second modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 40b includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC2 as a first semiconductor chip, and a semiconductor chip IC2a as a second semiconductor chip. In addition, in the illuminating device 40b shown in FIG. 15, about the structure similar to the illuminating device 10b shown in FIG. 4, and the illuminating device 40 shown in FIG. 13, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The semiconductor chip IC2 includes an electrode pad T1, an electrode pad T2, an electrode pad T3, an electrode pad T4, and an electrode pad T5 as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. In addition, the semiconductor chip IC2 includes a light emission control unit HC2 as a first light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1, and a light control circuit LC2 as a first light control unit.

  The electrode pad T1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W1 as a first power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC2. The electrode pad T2 is connected to the node Nh1 of the light emitting element group HS1. The electrode pad T3 is connected to the node Nh2 of the light emitting element group HS2. The electrode pad T4 is connected to the power supply VSS.

  The light emission control unit HC2 includes a comparison circuit CN as a first comparison circuit, a transistor P2, a transistor P3 as a first control switch, and a transistor P9 as a third control switch.

  The dimming circuit LC1 is connected at one end to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1.

  The dimming circuit LC2 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1.

  The transistor P2 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the other end of the dimming circuit LC1, and the drain terminal D is connected to the electrode pad T2, in other words, the node of the light emitting element group HS1 via the electrode pad T2. It is connected to Nh1.

  The transistor P3 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the other end of the dimming circuit LC2, and the drain terminal D is connected to the electrode pad T3, in other words, the node of the light emitting element group HS2 via the electrode pad T3. Connected to Nh2.

  The transistor P9 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the comparison circuit CN, and the drain terminal D is connected to the gate terminal G of the transistor P1 and the electrode pad T5. Thereby, the comparison circuit CN and the gate terminals G of the transistors P2 and P3 are connected via the transistor P9, and the electrical connection between the comparison circuit CN and the gate terminals G of the transistors P2 and P3 is the transistor P9. Controlled by Further, the transistor P9 has a gate terminal G connected to the electrode pad T4, in other words, connected to the power source VSS via the electrode pad T4. As a result, in the transistor P9, the drive voltage Vk rises, the signal level of the comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN and supplied to the source terminal S of the transistor P9 rises, and the gate-source voltage of the transistor P9 rises. Turns on when the voltage exceeds the threshold voltage. Here, a connection point between the drain terminal D of the transistor P9 and the gate terminals G of the transistors P2 and P3 is referred to as a node Nd11.

  The semiconductor chip IC2a has the same configuration as the semiconductor chip IC2. However, in the semiconductor chip IC2a of FIG. 15, for the sake of convenience of explanation, “a” is added to the end of the configuration shown in the semiconductor chip IC2 in order to distinguish it from the semiconductor chip IC2. In the semiconductor chip IC2a, the description of the configuration described in the semiconductor chip IC2 is omitted as appropriate. The “comparison circuit CN” is herein referred to as “comparison circuit CNaa” in order to distinguish it from the “comparison circuit CNa” shown in FIG.

  The semiconductor chip IC2a includes an electrode pad T1a, an electrode pad T2a, an electrode pad T3a, an electrode pad T4a, and an electrode pad T5a as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. The semiconductor chip IC2a includes a light emission control unit HC2a as a second light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1a, and a light control circuit LC2a as a second light control unit. The light emission control unit HC2a includes a comparison circuit CNaa, a transistor P2a as a second control switch, a transistor P3a as a second control switch, and a transistor P9a.

  The electrode pad T1a is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W2 as a second power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W2 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC2a. The electrode pad T2a is connected to the node Nh11 of the light emitting element group HS11. The electrode pad T3a is connected to the node Nh12 of the light emitting element group HS12. The wiring W2 has a lower wiring resistance than the wiring W1, for example.

  The light control circuit LC1a has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a.

  The light control circuit LC2a has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a.

  The transistor P2a is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the other end of the dimming circuit LC1a, the drain terminal D is connected to the electrode pad T2a, in other words, the node of the light emitting element group HS11 via the electrode pad T2a. Connected to Nh11.

  The transistor P3a is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the other end of the dimming circuit LC2a, the drain terminal D is connected to the electrode pad T3a, in other words, the node of the light emitting element group HS12 via the electrode pad T3a. It is connected to Nh12.

  The electrode pad T4a is connected to the power supply circuit VS. Thereby, in the transistor P9a, the gate terminal G is always connected to the power supply circuit VS. Therefore, the transistor P9a is not turned on even when the voltage level of the drive voltage Vk is increased, and is always in the off state.

  The electrode pad T5a is connected to the electrode pad T5 of the semiconductor chip IC2 by the wiring W3. That is, the wiring W3 electrically connects the node Nd11 and the node Nd11a. As a result, the gate terminals G of the transistors P2 and P3 and the gate terminals G of the transistors P2 and P2a are electrically connected.

  As described above, in the lighting device 40b, the gate terminal G of the transistor P9 of the semiconductor chip IC2 is electrically connected to the power supply VSS in the light emission control unit HC2, so that the transistors P2 and P3 of the comparison circuit CN are connected. The comparison result signal Vcr1 is supplied to the gate terminal G, and the transistor P2a of the semiconductor chip IC2a and the gate terminal G of the transistor P3a are electrically connected to the power supply circuit VS in the light emission control unit HC2a. Thus, the supply of the comparison result signal Vcr1a from the comparison circuit CNaa to the gate terminals G of the transistors P2a and P3a is cut off. The gate terminals G of the transistors P2 and P3 connected to the comparison circuit CN are electrically connected to the gate terminals G of the transistors P2a and P3a through the wiring W3. The illumination device 40b thereby controls the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC2, and the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa connected to the semiconductor chip IC2a. The light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC2 of the semiconductor chip IC2.

  Therefore, according to the illuminating device 40b, even if there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CN of the semiconductor chip IC2 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC2a, the light emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa. In addition, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of turning off the lights.

  Further, according to the lighting device 40b, the semiconductor chip IC2 is driven from the power supply circuit VS rather than the wiring resistance of the wiring W2 for receiving the power supply of the drive voltage Vk and the drive current Ik from the power supply circuit VS. When the wiring resistance of the wiring W1 for receiving the power supply of the voltage Vk and the driving current Ik is larger, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC2, and the connection to the semiconductor chip IC2a Since the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa are performed by the light emission control unit HC2 of the semiconductor chip IC2, an increase in the potential of the drive voltage Vk acquired by the comparison circuit CN of the semiconductor chip IC2 The comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC2a acquires based on the difference in wiring resistance between W1 and the wiring W2. Even when the delay compared to the rise of the potential of the dynamic voltage Vk, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa.

[Third Modification of Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 16 is a view showing an illumination device 40c according to a third modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The lighting device 40c includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC2, and a semiconductor chip IC2a. In addition, in the illuminating device 40c shown in FIG. 16, about the structure similar to the illuminating device 40b shown in FIG. 15, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The lighting device 40c is substantially different from the lighting device 40b in the connection destination of the electrode pad T4 of the semiconductor chip IC2 and the connection destination of the electrode pad T4a of the semiconductor chip IC2a.

  The electrode pad T4 is connected to the power supply circuit VS. Thereby, in the transistor P9, the gate terminal G is always connected to the power supply circuit VS. Therefore, the transistor P9 is not turned on even when the voltage level of the drive voltage Vk is increased, and is always in the off state.

  The electrode pad T4a is connected to the power supply VSS. Thereby, in the transistor P9a, the gate terminal G is connected to the power supply VSS. Therefore, the transistor P9a is turned on when the drive voltage Vk rises and the gate-source voltage of the transistor P9 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold voltage.

  As described above, in the lighting device 40a, the gate terminal G of the transistor P9 of the semiconductor chip IC2 is electrically connected to the power supply circuit VS in the light emission control unit HC2, so that the transistor P2 and the transistor are compared from the comparison circuit CN. The supply of the comparison result signal Vcr1 to the gate terminal G of P3 is interrupted, and the gate terminal G of the transistor P9a of the semiconductor chip IC2a is electrically connected to the power supply VSS in the light emission control unit HC2a. The comparison result signal Vcr1a is supplied from the comparison circuit CNaa to the gate terminals G of the transistors P2a and P3a. In addition, the gate terminals G of the transistors P2a and P3a connected to the comparison circuit CNaa are electrically connected to the gate terminals G of the transistors P2 and P3 through the wiring W3. The illumination device 40c thereby controls the light emission control and light emission stop of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC2, and the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa connected to the semiconductor chip IC2a. The light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC2a of the semiconductor chip IC2a.

  Therefore, according to the illuminating device 40c, even if there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CN of the semiconductor chip IC2 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC2a, the light emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa In addition, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of turning off the lights.

  As described above, the light emission control and the light emission stop control in the lighting device including the semiconductor chip IC2 and the semiconductor chip IC2a are performed by the light emission control unit HC2 of the semiconductor chip IC2 or the light emission control unit HC2a of the semiconductor chip IC2a. It is done in either one.

[Fourth Modification of Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an illumination device 40d according to a fourth modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 40d includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC3 as a first semiconductor chip, and a semiconductor chip IC3a as a second semiconductor chip. In addition, in the illuminating device 40d shown in FIG. 17, about the structure similar to the illuminating device 20 shown in FIG. 5, the illuminating device 20a shown in FIG. 6, and the illuminating device 40 shown in FIG. The description will be omitted as appropriate.

  The semiconductor chip IC3 has electrode pads T1, electrode pads T2, electrode pads T3, electrode pads T4, electrode pads T5, electrode pads T6, and electrodes as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. And a pad T7. The semiconductor chip IC3 includes a light emission control unit HC3 as a first light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1, and a light control circuit LC2 as a first light control unit.

  The light emission control unit HC3 includes a comparison circuit CNa as a first comparison circuit, a transistor N1, a transistor N2 as a first control switch, and a transistor P10 as a third control switch.

  The comparison circuit CNa is connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1. The comparison circuit CNa determines whether the drive voltage Vk is larger or smaller than the light emission reference voltage VHa or a voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, and outputs the result as a comparison result signal Vcr2.

  The light control circuit LC1 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T2.

  The light control circuit LC2 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T3.

  The transistor N1 is an NMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the power supply VSS, and the drain terminal D is connected to the electrode pad T6.

  The transistor N2 is an NMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the power supply VSS, and the drain terminal D is connected to the electrode pad T7.

  The transistor P10 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the comparison circuit CNa, and the drain terminal D is connected to the gate terminals G and the electrode pads T5 of the transistors N1 and N2. Thereby, the comparison circuit CNa and the gate terminals G of the transistors N1 and N2 are connected via the transistor P10, and the electrical connection between the comparison circuit CNa and the gate terminals G of the transistors N1 and N2 is the transistor P10. Controlled by The transistor P10 has a gate terminal G connected to the electrode pad T4, in other words, connected to the power source VSS via the electrode pad T4. As a result, in the transistor P10, the drive voltage Vk increases, the signal level of the comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa and supplied to the source terminal S of the transistor P10 increases, and the gate-source voltage of the transistor P10 increases. Turns on when the voltage exceeds the threshold voltage. Here, a connection point between the drain terminal D of the transistor P10 and the gate terminals G of the transistors N1 and N2 is referred to as a node Nd12.

  The light emitting element group HSB includes a light emitting element group HS and a light emitting element group HSa. The light emitting element group HS includes a light emitting element group HS1 and a light emitting element group HS2 as a first light emitting element group. The light emitting element group HSa includes a light emitting element group HS11 and a light emitting element group HS12 as a second light emitting element group.

  In the light emitting element group HS1, the node Nh1 is connected to the electrode pad T2, in other words, connected to the other end of the dimming circuit LC1 via the electrode pad T2, and the node Nh1a is connected to the electrode pad T6, in other words, the electrode pad T6. Is connected to the drain terminal D of the transistor N1.

  In the light emitting element group HS2, the node Nh2 is connected to the electrode pad T3, in other words, connected to the other end of the dimming circuit LC2 via the electrode pad T3, and the node NH2a is connected to the electrode pad T7, in other words, the electrode pad T7. Is connected to the drain terminal D of the transistor N2.

  The semiconductor chip IC3a has the same configuration as the semiconductor chip IC3. However, in the semiconductor chip IC3a of FIG. 17, for the sake of convenience of description, “a” is added to the end of the configuration shown in the semiconductor chip IC3 to distinguish it from the semiconductor chip IC3. In the semiconductor chip IC3a, the description of the configuration described in the semiconductor chip IC3 is omitted as appropriate. Note that the “comparison circuit CNaaa” is used here to distinguish it from the “comparison circuit CNaa” shown in FIG.

  The semiconductor chip IC3a has electrode pads T1a, electrode pads T2a, electrode pads T3a, electrode pads T4a, electrode pads T5a, electrode pads T6a, and electrodes as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. And a pad T7a. The semiconductor chip IC3a includes a light emission control unit HC3a as a second light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1a, and a light control circuit LC2a as a second light control unit. The light emission control unit HC3a includes a comparison circuit CNaaa as a second comparison circuit, a transistor N1a, a transistor N2a as a second control switch, and a transistor P10a.

  The electrode pad T1a is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W2 as a second power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W2 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC3a. The electrode pad T2a is connected to the node Nh11 of the light emitting element group HS11. The electrode pad T3a is connected to the node Nh12 of the light emitting element group HS12. The wiring W2 has a lower wiring resistance than the wiring W1, for example.

  In the light emitting element group HS11, the node Nh11 is connected to the electrode pad T2a, in other words, connected to the other end of the dimming circuit LC1a via the electrode pad T2a, and the node Nh11a is connected to the electrode pad T6a, in other words, the electrode pad T6a. Is connected to the drain terminal D of the transistor N1a.

  In the light emitting element group HS12, the node Nh12 is connected to the electrode pad T3a, in other words, connected to the other end of the dimming circuit LC2a via the electrode pad T3a, and the node Nh12a is connected to the electrode pad T7a, in other words, the electrode pad T7a. Is connected to the drain terminal D of the transistor N2a.

  The electrode pad T4a is connected to the power supply circuit VS. Thereby, in the transistor P10a, the gate terminal G is always connected to the power supply circuit VS. Therefore, the transistor P10a is not turned on even when the voltage level of the drive voltage Vk is increased, and is always in the off state.

  The electrode pad T5a is connected to the electrode pad T5 of the semiconductor chip IC3 by the wiring W3. That is, the wiring W3 electrically connects the node Nd12 and the node Nd12a. Thereby, the gate terminals G of the transistors N1 and N2 and the gate terminals G of the transistors N1a and N2a are electrically connected.

  As described above, in the illumination device 40d, the gate terminal G of the transistor P10 of the semiconductor chip IC3 is electrically connected to the power source VSS in the light emission control unit HC3, so that the transistors N1 and N2 are connected from the comparison circuit CNa. The comparison result signal Vcr2 is supplied to the gate terminal G, and the transistor N1a of the semiconductor chip IC3a and the gate terminal G of the transistor N2a are electrically connected to the power supply circuit VS in the light emission control unit HC3a. Thus, the supply of the comparison result signal Vcr2a from the comparison circuit CNaaa to the gate terminals G of the transistors N1a and N2a is cut off. The gate terminals G of the transistors N1 and N2 connected to the comparison circuit CNa are electrically connected to the gate terminals G of the transistors N1a and N2a through the wiring W3. The illumination device 40d thereby controls the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC3, and the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa connected to the semiconductor chip IC3a. The light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC3 of the semiconductor chip IC3.

  Therefore, according to the lighting device 40d, even if there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC3 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC3a, the light emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa In addition, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of turning off the lights.

  Further, according to the lighting device 40d, the semiconductor chip IC3 is driven from the power supply circuit VS rather than the wiring resistance of the wiring W2 for the semiconductor chip IC3a to receive the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS. When the wiring resistance of the wiring W1 for receiving the power supply of the voltage Vk and the driving current Ik is larger, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC3, and the connection to the semiconductor chip IC3a Since the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa are performed by the light emission control unit HC3 of the semiconductor chip IC3, an increase in the potential of the drive voltage Vk acquired by the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC3 Obtained by the comparison circuit CNNaa of the semiconductor chip IC3a based on the difference in wiring resistance between W1 and the wiring W2 Even when the delay compared to the rise of the potential of that driving voltage Vk, it is possible to prevent the timing variation in the light emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa.

[Fifth Modification of Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an illumination device 40e according to a fifth modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 40e includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC3, and a semiconductor chip IC3a. In addition, in the illuminating device 40e shown in FIG. 18, about the structure similar to the illuminating device 40d shown in FIG. 17, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The lighting device 40e is substantially different from the lighting device 40d in the connection destination of the electrode pad T4 of the semiconductor chip IC3 and the connection destination of the electrode pad T4a of the semiconductor chip IC3a.

  The electrode pad T4 is connected to the power supply circuit VS. Thereby, in the transistor P10, the gate terminal G is always connected to the power supply circuit VS. Therefore, the transistor P10 is not turned on even when the voltage level of the drive voltage Vk is increased, and is always in the off state.

  The electrode pad T4a is connected to the power supply VSS. Thereby, in the transistor P10a, the gate terminal G is connected to the power supply VSS. Therefore, the transistor P10a is turned on when the drive voltage Vk rises and the gate-source voltage of the transistor P10 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold voltage.

  As described above, in the illumination device 40e, the gate terminal G of the transistor P10 of the semiconductor chip IC3 is electrically connected to the power supply circuit VS in the light emission control unit HC3, so that the transistor N1 and the transistor are compared from the comparison circuit CNa. The supply of the comparison result signal Vcr2 to the gate terminal G of N2 is cut off, and the gate terminal G of the transistor P10a of the semiconductor chip IC3a is electrically connected to the power supply VSS in the light emission control unit HC3a. The comparison result signal Vcr2a is supplied from the comparison circuit CNaa to the gate terminals G of the transistors N1a and N2a. Further, the gate terminals G of the transistors N1a and N2a connected to the comparison circuit CNaaa are electrically connected to the gate terminals G of the transistors N1 and N2 through the wiring W3. The illumination device 40e thereby controls the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC3, and the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa connected to the semiconductor chip IC3a, that is, The light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC3a of the semiconductor chip IC3a.

  Therefore, according to the illuminating device 40e, even if there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC3 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC3a, the light emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa. In addition, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of turning off the lights.

  As described above, the light emission control and the light emission stop control in the lighting device configured to include the semiconductor chip IC3 and the semiconductor chip IC3a are performed by the light emission control unit HC3 of the semiconductor chip IC3 or the light emission control unit HC3a of the semiconductor chip IC3a. It is done in either one.

[Sixth Modification of Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a lighting device 40f according to a sixth modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 40f includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC4 as a first semiconductor chip, and a semiconductor chip IC4a as a second semiconductor chip. In addition, in the illuminating device 40f shown in FIG. 19, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure similar to the illuminating device 30 shown in FIG. 8, the illuminating device 30a shown in FIG. 10, and the illuminating device 40 shown in FIG. The description will be omitted as appropriate.

  The semiconductor chip IC4 includes an electrode pad T1, an electrode pad T2, an electrode pad T3, an electrode pad T4, and an electrode pad T5 as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. Further, the semiconductor chip IC4 includes a light emission control unit HC4 as a first light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1, and a light control circuit LC2 as a first light control unit.

  The light emission control unit HC4 includes a comparison circuit CNa as a first comparison circuit, a transistor P6, a transistor P7 as a first control switch, and a transistor P11 as a third control switch.

  The comparison circuit CNa is connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1. The comparison circuit CNa determines whether the drive voltage Vk is larger or smaller than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VH, and outputs the result as the comparison result signal Vcr2.

  The light control circuit LC1 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T2.

  The light control circuit LC2 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T3.

  The transistor P6 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the power supply circuit VS, and the drain terminal D is connected to the dimming circuit LC1.

  The transistor P7 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the power supply circuit VS, and the drain terminal D is connected to the dimming circuit LC2.

  The transistor P11 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the comparison circuit CNa, and the drain terminal D is connected to the gate terminals G and the electrode pads T5 of the transistors P6 and P7. Thereby, the comparison circuit CNa and the gate terminals G of the transistors P6 and P7 are connected via the transistor P11, and the electrical connection between the comparison circuit CNa and the gate terminals G of the transistors P6 and P7 is the transistor P11. Controlled by The transistor P11 has a gate terminal G connected to the electrode pad T4, in other words, connected to the power source VSS via the electrode pad T4. As a result, in the transistor P11, the drive voltage Vk increases, the signal level of the comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa and supplied to the source terminal S of the transistor P11 increases, and the gate-source voltage of the transistor P11 increases Turns on when the voltage exceeds the threshold voltage. Here, a connection point between the drain terminal D of the transistor P11 and the gate terminals G of the transistors P6 and P7 is referred to as a node Nd13.

  The semiconductor chip IC4a has the same configuration as the semiconductor chip IC4. However, in the semiconductor chip IC4a of FIG. 19, for the sake of convenience of description, “a” is added to the end of the configuration shown in the semiconductor chip IC4 to distinguish it from the semiconductor chip IC4. In the semiconductor chip IC4a, the description of the configuration described in the semiconductor chip IC4 is omitted as appropriate. Note that the “comparison circuit CNaaa” is used here to distinguish it from the “comparison circuit CNaa” shown in FIG.

  The semiconductor chip IC4a includes an electrode pad T1a, an electrode pad T2a, an electrode pad T3a, an electrode pad T4a, and an electrode pad T5a as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. The semiconductor chip IC4a includes a light emission control unit HC4a as a second light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1a, and a light control circuit LC2a as a second light control unit. The light emission control unit HC4a includes a comparison circuit CNaaa as a second comparison circuit, a transistor P6a, a transistor P7a as a second control switch, and a transistor P11a.

  The dimming circuit LC11 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T2a.

  The light control circuit LC12 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T3a.

  The electrode pad T4a is connected to the power supply circuit VS. Thereby, in the transistor P11a, the gate terminal G is always connected to the power supply circuit VS. Therefore, the transistor P11a is not turned on even when the voltage level of the drive voltage Vk is increased, and is always in the off state.

  The electrode pad T5a is connected to the electrode pad T5 of the semiconductor chip IC4 by the wiring W3. That is, the wiring W3 electrically connects the node Nd13 and the node Nd13a. Thereby, the gate terminals G of the transistors P6 and P7 and the gate terminals G of the transistors P6a and P7a are electrically connected.

  As described above, in the lighting device 40f, the gate terminal G of the transistor P11 of the semiconductor chip IC4 is electrically connected to the power supply VSS in the light emission control unit HC4, so that the comparison circuit CNa to the transistor P6 and the transistor P7. The comparison result signal Vcr2 is supplied to the gate terminal G, and the transistor P6a and the gate terminal G of the transistor P7a of the semiconductor chip IC4a are electrically connected to the power supply circuit VS in the light emission control unit HC4a. Thus, the supply of the comparison result signal Vcr2a from the comparison circuit CNaaa to the gate terminals G of the transistors P6a and P7a is cut off. The gate terminals G of the transistors P6 and P7 connected to the comparison circuit CNa are electrically connected to the gate terminals G of the transistors P6a and P7a through the wiring W3. The illumination device 40f thereby controls the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC4, and the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa connected to the semiconductor chip IC4a. The light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC4 of the semiconductor chip IC4.

  Therefore, according to the lighting device 40f, even if there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC4 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC4a, the light emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa. In addition, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of turning off the lights.

  Further, according to the lighting device 40f, the semiconductor chip IC4 is driven from the power supply circuit VS rather than the wiring resistance of the wiring W2 for the semiconductor chip IC4a to receive the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS. When the wiring resistance of the wiring W1 for receiving the power supply of the voltage Vk and the driving current Ik is larger, the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC4, and the connection to the semiconductor chip IC4a Since the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa are performed by the light emission control unit HC4 of the semiconductor chip IC4, the increase in the potential of the drive voltage Vk acquired by the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC4 Based on the difference in wiring resistance between W1 and wiring W2, the comparison circuit CNNaa of the semiconductor chip IC4a acquires Even when the delay compared to the rise of the potential of that driving voltage Vk, it is possible to prevent the timing variation in the light emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa.

[Seventh Modification of Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a lighting device 40g according to a seventh modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 40g includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC4, and a semiconductor chip IC4a. In addition, in the illuminating device 40g shown in FIG. 20, about the structure similar to the illuminating device 40f shown in FIG. 19, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The lighting device 40g is substantially different from the lighting device 40f in the connection destination of the electrode pad T4 of the semiconductor chip IC4 and the connection destination of the electrode pad T4a of the semiconductor chip IC4a.

  The electrode pad T4 is connected to the power supply circuit VS. Thereby, in the transistor P11, the gate terminal G is always connected to the power supply circuit VS. Therefore, the transistor P11 is not turned on even when the voltage level of the drive voltage Vk is increased, and is always in the off state.

  The electrode pad T4a is connected to the power supply VSS. Thereby, in the transistor P11a, the gate terminal G is connected to the power supply VSS. Accordingly, the transistor P11a is turned on when the drive voltage Vk increases and the gate-source voltage of the transistor P11 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold voltage.

  As described above, in the lighting device 40g, the gate terminal G of the transistor P11 of the semiconductor chip IC4 is electrically connected to the power supply circuit VS in the light emission control unit HC4. The supply of the comparison result signal Vcr2 to the gate terminal G of P7 is interrupted, and the gate terminal G of the transistor P11a of the semiconductor chip IC4a is electrically connected to the power supply VSS in the light emission control unit HC4a. The comparison result signal Vcr2a is supplied from the comparison circuit CNaa to the gate terminals G of the transistors P6a and P7a. In addition, the gate terminals G of the transistors P6a and P7a connected to the comparison circuit CNaa are electrically connected to the gate terminals G of the transistors P6 and P7 through the wiring W3. The illumination device 40g thereby controls the light emission control and light emission stop of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC4, and the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa connected to the semiconductor chip IC4a. The light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC4a of the semiconductor chip IC4a.

  Therefore, according to the illuminating device 40g, even when there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC4 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC4a, light emission between the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa. In addition, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of turning off the lights.

  As described above, the light emission control and the light emission stop control in the illumination device configured to include the semiconductor chip IC4 and the semiconductor chip IC4a are performed by the light emission control unit HC4 of the semiconductor chip IC4 or the light emission control unit HC4a of the semiconductor chip IC4a. It is done in either one.

[Eighth Modification of Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a lighting device 40h according to an eighth modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The lighting device 40h includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC5 as a first semiconductor chip, and a semiconductor chip IC5a as a second semiconductor chip. In addition, in the illuminating device 40h shown in FIG. 21, about the structure similar to the illuminating device 30b shown in FIG. 11, and the illuminating device 40 shown in FIG. 13, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The semiconductor chip IC5 includes an electrode pad T1, an electrode pad T2, an electrode pad T3, an electrode pad T4, and an electrode pad T5 as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. The semiconductor chip IC5 includes a light emission control unit HC5 as a first light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1, and a light control circuit LC2 as a first light control unit.

  The light emission control unit HC5 includes a comparison circuit CNa as a first comparison circuit, a transistor N3, a transistor N4 as a first control switch, and a transistor P12 as a third control switch.

  The comparison circuit CNa is connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1. The comparison circuit CNa determines whether the drive voltage Vk is larger or smaller than the light emission reference voltage VH or a voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VH, and outputs the result as a comparison result signal Vcr2.

  The light control circuit LC1 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T2.

  The light control circuit LC2 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T3.

  The transistor N3 is an NMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the power supply circuit VS, and the drain terminal D is connected to the dimming circuit LC1.

  The transistor N4 is an NMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the power supply circuit VS, and the drain terminal D is connected to the dimming circuit LC2.

  The transistor P12 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the comparison circuit CNa, and the drain terminal D is connected to the gate terminals G and the electrode pads T5 of the transistors N3 and N4. Thereby, the comparison circuit CNa and the gate terminals G of the transistors N3 and N4 are connected via the transistor P12. The electrical connection between the comparison circuit CNa and the gate terminals G of the transistors N3 and N4 is connected to the transistor P12. Controlled by Further, the transistor P12 has a gate terminal G connected to the electrode pad T4, in other words, connected to the power source VSS via the electrode pad T4. As a result, in the transistor P12, the drive voltage Vk rises, the signal level of the comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa and supplied to the source terminal S of the transistor P12 rises, and the gate-source voltage of the transistor P12 rises. Turns on when the voltage exceeds the threshold voltage. Here, a connection point between the drain terminal D of the transistor P12 and the gate terminals G of the transistors N3 and N4 is referred to as a node Nd14.

  The semiconductor chip IC5a has the same configuration as the semiconductor chip IC5. However, in the semiconductor chip IC5a of FIG. 21, for the convenience of explanation, “a” is added to the end of the configuration of the semiconductor chip IC5 to distinguish it from the semiconductor chip IC5. In the semiconductor chip IC5a, the description of the configuration described in the semiconductor chip IC5 is omitted as appropriate. Note that the “comparison circuit CNaaa” is used here to distinguish it from the “comparison circuit CNaa” shown in FIG.

  The semiconductor chip IC5a includes an electrode pad T1a, an electrode pad T2a, an electrode pad T3a, an electrode pad T4a, and an electrode pad T5a as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. In addition, the semiconductor chip IC5a includes a light emission control unit HC5a as a second light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1a, and a light control circuit LC2a as a second light control unit. The light emission control unit HC5a includes a comparison circuit CNaaa as a second comparison circuit, a transistor N3a, a transistor N4a as a second control switch, and a transistor P12a.

  The dimming circuit LC11 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T2a.

  The light control circuit LC12 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T3a.

  The electrode pad T4a is connected to the power supply circuit VS. Thereby, in the transistor P12a, the gate terminal G is always connected to the power supply circuit VS. Therefore, the transistor P12a is not turned on even when the voltage level of the drive voltage Vk is increased, and is always in the off state.

  The electrode pad T5a is connected to the electrode pad T5 of the semiconductor chip IC5 by the wiring W3. That is, the wiring W3 electrically connects the node Nd14 and the node Nd14a. As a result, the gate terminals G of the transistors N3 and N4 are electrically connected to the gate terminals G of the transistors N3a and N4a.

  As described above, in the lighting device 40h, the gate terminal G of the transistor P12 of the semiconductor chip IC5 is electrically connected to the power source VSS in the light emission control unit HC5, so that the comparison circuit CNa to the transistors N3 and N4 The comparison result signal Vcr2 is supplied to the gate terminal G, and the gate terminals G of the transistors N3a and N4a of the semiconductor chip IC5a are electrically connected to the power supply circuit VS in the light emission control unit HC5a. Thus, the supply of the comparison result signal Vcr2a from the comparison circuit CNaaa to the gate terminals G of the transistors N3a and N4a is cut off. The gate terminals G of the transistors N3 and N4 connected to the comparison circuit CNa are electrically connected to the gate terminals G of the transistors N3a and N4a through the wiring W3. Then, the lighting device 40h thereby controls the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC5, and the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa connected to the semiconductor chip IC5a. The light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC5 of the semiconductor chip IC5.

  Therefore, according to the illuminating device 40h, even if there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC5 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC5a, the light emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa In addition, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of turning off the lights.

  Further, according to the lighting device 40h, the semiconductor chip IC5 is driven from the power supply circuit VS rather than the wiring resistance of the wiring W2 for the semiconductor chip IC5a to receive the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS. When the wiring resistance of the wiring W1 for receiving the power supply of the voltage Vk and the driving current Ik is larger, the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC5, and the connection to the semiconductor chip IC5a Since the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa are performed by the light emission control unit HC5 of the semiconductor chip IC5, the increase in the potential of the drive voltage Vk acquired by the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC5 Based on the difference in wiring resistance between W1 and wiring W2, the comparison circuit CNNaa of the semiconductor chip IC5a acquires Even when the delay compared to the rise of the potential of that driving voltage Vk, it is possible to prevent the timing variation in the light emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa.

[Ninth Modification of Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an illuminating device 40i according to a ninth modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The lighting device 40i includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC5, and a semiconductor chip IC5a. In addition, in the illuminating device 40i shown in FIG. 22, about the structure similar to the illuminating device 40h shown in FIG. 21, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The illumination device 40i is substantially different from the illumination device 40h in the connection destination of the electrode pad T4 of the semiconductor chip IC5 and the connection destination of the electrode pad T4a of the semiconductor chip IC5a.

  The electrode pad T4 is connected to the power supply circuit VS. Thereby, in the transistor P12, the gate terminal G is always connected to the power supply circuit VS. Therefore, the transistor P12 is not turned on even when the voltage level of the drive voltage Vk is increased, and is always in the off state.

  The electrode pad T4a is connected to the power supply VSS. Thereby, in the transistor P12a, the gate terminal G is connected to the power supply VSS. Therefore, the transistor P12a is turned on when the drive voltage Vk rises and the gate-source voltage of the transistor P12 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold voltage.

  As described above, in the lighting device 40i, the gate terminal G of the transistor P12 of the semiconductor chip IC5 is electrically connected to the power supply circuit VS in the light emission control unit HC5, so that the comparison circuit CNa to the transistor N3 and the transistor The supply of the comparison result signal Vcr2 to the gate terminal G of N4 is interrupted, and the gate terminal G of the transistor P12a of the semiconductor chip IC5a is electrically connected to the power supply VSS in the light emission control unit HC5a. The comparison result signal Vcr2a is supplied from the comparison circuit CNaa to the gate terminals G of the transistors N3a and N4a. In addition, the gate terminals G of the transistors N3a and N4a connected to the comparison circuit CNaaa are electrically connected to the gate terminals G of the transistors N3 and N4 via the wiring W3. Then, the illumination device 40i thereby controls the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC5, and the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa connected to the semiconductor chip IC5a. The light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC5a of the semiconductor chip IC5a.

  Therefore, according to the illumination device 40i, even if there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC5 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC5a, light emission between the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa. In addition, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of turning off the lights.

  As described above, the light emission control and the light emission stop control in the lighting device including the semiconductor chip IC5 and the semiconductor chip IC5a are performed by the light emission control unit HC5 of the semiconductor chip IC5 or the light emission control unit HC5a of the semiconductor chip IC5a. It is done in either one.

[Tenth Modification of Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an illumination device 40j according to a tenth modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 40j includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC6 as a first semiconductor chip, and a semiconductor chip IC6a as a second semiconductor chip. In addition, in the illuminating device 40j shown in FIG. 23, about the structure similar to the illuminating device 30c shown in FIG. 12, and the illuminating device 40 shown in FIG. 13, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The semiconductor chip IC6 has an electrode pad T1, an electrode pad T2, an electrode pad T3, an electrode pad T4, an electrode pad T5, an electrode pad T6, and an electrode as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. And a pad T7. The semiconductor chip IC4 includes a light emission control unit HC4 as a first light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC11, and a light control circuit LC12 as a first light control unit.

  The light emission control unit HC6 includes a comparison circuit CN as a first comparison circuit and a transistor P13 as a third control switch.

  The comparison circuit CN is connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1. The comparison circuit CN determines whether the drive voltage Vk is larger or smaller than the light emission reference voltage VH or a voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VH, and outputs the result as a comparison result signal Vcr1.

  The light control circuit LC11 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T2, in other words, light emission via the electrode pad T2. Connected to one end of the element group HS1 and connected to the electrode pad T6, in other words, connected to the node Nd8 of the light emitting element group HS1 via the electrode pad T6. The light control circuit LC11 includes the drive circuit KD1 shown in FIG.

  The light control circuit LC12 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T3, in other words, light emission via the electrode pad T3. It is connected to one end of the element group HS2, connected to the electrode pad T7, in other words, connected to the node Nd9 of the light emitting element group HS2 via the electrode pad T7. The dimming circuit LC12 includes the drive circuit KD2 shown in FIG.

  The transistor P13 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the comparison circuit CN, and the drain terminal D is connected to the drive circuit KD1 of the dimming circuit LC11 and the drive circuit KD2 of the dimming circuit 12. Thereby, the comparison circuit CN and the drive circuit KD1, and the comparison circuit CN and the drive circuit KD2 are connected via the transistor P13, respectively. The comparison circuit CN and the drive circuit KD1, and the comparison circuit CN and the drive circuit KD2 are connected. The electrical connection is controlled by the transistor P13. Further, the transistor P13 has a gate terminal G connected to the electrode pad T4, in other words, connected to the power source VSS via the electrode pad T4. As a result, in the transistor P13, the drive voltage Vk rises, the signal level of the comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN and supplied to the source terminal S of the transistor P13 rises, and the gate-source voltage of the transistor P13 increases. Turns on when the voltage exceeds the threshold voltage. Here, a connection point between the drain terminal D of the transistor P13 and the drive circuit KD1 and the drive circuit KD2 is referred to as a node Nd15.

  The semiconductor chip IC6a has the same configuration as the semiconductor chip IC6. However, in the semiconductor chip IC6a of FIG. 23, for convenience of explanation, “a” is added to the end of the configuration shown in the semiconductor chip IC6 in order to distinguish it from the semiconductor chip IC6. In the semiconductor chip IC6a, the description of the configuration described in the semiconductor chip IC6 is omitted as appropriate. The “comparison circuit CN” is herein referred to as “comparison circuit CNaa” in order to distinguish it from the “comparison circuit CNa” shown in FIG.

  The semiconductor chip IC6a has electrode pads T1a, electrode pads T2a, electrode pads T3a, electrode pads T4a, electrode pads T5a, electrode pads T6a, and electrodes as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. And a pad T7a. Further, the semiconductor chip IC6a includes a light emission control unit HC6a as a second light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC11a, and a light control circuit LC12a as a second light control unit. The light emission control unit HC6a includes a comparison circuit CNaa as a second comparison circuit and a transistor P13a.

  The light control circuit LC11a has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T2a, in other words, light emission via the electrode pad T2a. Connected to one end of the element group HS11, connected to the electrode pad T6a, in other words, connected to the node Nd8a of the light emitting element group HS11 via the electrode pad T6a.

  The light control circuit LC12a has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T3a, in other words, light emission via the electrode pad T3a. Connected to one end of the element group HS12 and connected to the electrode pad T7a, in other words, connected to the node Nd9a of the light emitting element group HS12 via the electrode pad T7a.

  The electrode pad T4a is connected to the power supply circuit VS. Thereby, in the transistor P13a, the gate terminal G is always connected to the power supply circuit VS. Therefore, the transistor P13a is not turned on even when the voltage level of the drive voltage Vk is increased, and is always in the off state.

  The electrode pad T5a is connected to the electrode pad T5 of the semiconductor chip IC6 by the wiring W3. That is, the wiring W3 electrically connects the node Nd15 and the node Nd15a. As a result, the drive circuit KD1 and the drive circuit KD2 are electrically connected to the drive circuit KD1a and the drive circuit KD2a.

  As described above, in the lighting device 40j, the gate terminal G of the transistor P13 of the semiconductor chip IC6 is electrically connected to the power supply VSS in the light emission control unit HC6, so that the driving circuit KD1 and the driving circuit are connected from the comparison circuit CN. The comparison result signal Vcr1 is supplied to KD2, and the gate terminal G of the transistor P13a of the semiconductor chip IC6a is electrically connected to the power supply circuit VS in the light emission control unit HC6a. Supply of the comparison result signal Vcr1a to the drive circuit KD1 and the drive circuit KD2 is cut off. In addition, the drive circuit KD1 and the drive circuit KD2 connected to the comparison circuit CN are electrically connected to the drive circuit KD1a and the drive circuit KD2a via the wiring W3. The illumination device 40j thereby controls the light emission control and light emission stop of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC6, and the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa connected to the semiconductor chip IC6a. The light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC6 of the semiconductor chip IC6.

  Therefore, according to the illuminating device 40j, even if there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CN of the semiconductor chip IC6 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC6a, the light emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa. In addition, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of turning off the lights.

  Further, according to the lighting device 40j, the semiconductor chip IC6 is driven from the power supply circuit VS rather than the wiring resistance of the wiring W2 for the semiconductor chip IC6a to receive the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS. When the wiring resistance of the wiring W1 for receiving the power supply of the voltage Vk and the driving current Ik is larger, the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC6, and the connection to the semiconductor chip IC6a Since the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa are performed by the light emission control unit HC6 of the semiconductor chip IC6, the increase in the potential of the drive voltage Vk acquired by the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC6 Based on the difference in wiring resistance between W1 and wiring W2, the comparison circuit CNNaa of the semiconductor chip IC6a acquires Even when the delay compared to the rise of the potential of that driving voltage Vk, it is possible to prevent the timing variation in the light emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa.

[Eleventh Modification of Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a lighting device 40k according to an eleventh modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 40k includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC6, and a semiconductor chip IC6a. In addition, in the illuminating device 40k shown in FIG. 24, about the structure similar to the illuminating device 40j shown in FIG. 23, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The lighting device 40k is substantially different from the lighting device 40j in the connection destination of the electrode pad T4 of the semiconductor chip IC6 and the connection destination of the electrode pad T4a of the semiconductor chip IC6a.

  The electrode pad T4 is connected to the power supply circuit VS. Thereby, in the transistor P13, the gate terminal G is always connected to the power supply circuit VS. Therefore, the transistor P13 is not turned on even when the voltage level of the drive voltage Vk is increased, and is always in the off state.

  The electrode pad T4a is connected to the power supply VSS. Thereby, in the transistor P13a, the gate terminal G is connected to the power supply VSS. Therefore, the transistor P13a is turned on when the drive voltage Vk rises and the gate-source voltage of the transistor P13 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold voltage.

  As described above, in the lighting device 40k, the gate terminal G of the transistor P13 of the semiconductor chip IC6 is electrically connected to the power supply circuit VS in the light emission control unit HC6, so that the comparison circuit CN to the drive circuit KD1 and The supply of the comparison result signal Vcr1 to the drive circuit KD2 is cut off, and the gate terminal G of the transistor P13a of the semiconductor chip IC6a is electrically connected to the power supply VSS in the light emission control unit HC6a. The comparison result signal Vcr1a is supplied from the CNaa to the gate terminals G of the drive circuit KD1a and the drive circuit KD2a. Further, the drive circuit KD1a and the drive circuit KD2a connected to the comparison circuit CNaa are electrically connected to the drive circuit KD1 and the drive circuit KD2 via the wiring W3. The illumination device 40k thereby controls the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS connected to the semiconductor chip IC6, and the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa connected to the semiconductor chip IC6a. The light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC6a of the semiconductor chip IC6a.

  Therefore, according to the illuminating device 40k, even when there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CN of the semiconductor chip IC6 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC6a, the light emission of the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa. In addition, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of turning off the lights.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 25 is a view showing an illumination device 50 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 50 includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC7 as a first semiconductor chip, and a semiconductor chip IC7a as a second semiconductor chip. In the lighting device 50 shown in FIG. 25, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as those of the lighting device 10 shown in FIG. 1, the lighting device 10a shown in FIG. 3, and the lighting device 40 shown in FIG. A description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  The light emitting element group HSB includes a light emitting element group HS and a light emitting element group HSa. The light emitting element group HS includes a light emitting element group HS1 and a light emitting element group HS2 as a first light emitting element group. The light emitting element group HSa includes a light emitting element group HS11 and a light emitting element group HS12 as a second light emitting element group.

  The semiconductor chip IC7 includes an electrode pad T1, an electrode pad T2, an electrode pad T3, an electrode pad T8, and an electrode pad T9 as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. Further, the semiconductor chip IC7 includes a light emission control unit HC7 as a first light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1, and a light control circuit LC2 as a first light control unit.

  The electrode pad T1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W1 as a first power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC7. The electrode pad T2 is connected to the node Nh1 of the light emitting element group HS1. The electrode pad T3 is connected to the node Nh2 of the light emitting element group HS2.

  The light emission control unit HC7 includes a comparison circuit CN as a first comparison circuit, a detection unit K1 as a first detection unit, and a transistor P1 as a first control switch.

  The comparison circuit CN is connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1. The comparison circuit CN determines whether the drive voltage Vk is larger or smaller than the light emission reference voltage VHa or a voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, and outputs the result as a comparison result signal Vcr1. The output terminal of the comparison circuit CN is connected to the electrode pad T8.

  The detection unit K1 is, for example, an OR circuit including a first input terminal and a second input terminal. The output terminal of the comparison circuit CN is connected to the first input terminal of the detection unit K1, and the comparison result signal Vcr1 is input. The first input terminal of the detection unit K1 is connected to the electrode pad T8, and the second input terminal is connected to the electrode pad T9. The detection unit K1 outputs a logical sum of the signal input to the first input terminal and the signal input to the second input terminal as the output signal Ko1. Here, a connection point between the first input terminal of the detection unit K1 and the comparison circuit CN is referred to as a node Nd16. The detection unit K1 is not limited to an OR circuit as long as it outputs a logical sum of a signal input to the first input terminal and a signal input to the second input terminal as an output signal Ko1, as a result. Various logic circuits can be applied.

  The transistor P1 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1, and the gate terminal G is connected to the output terminal of the detection unit K1. . The transistor P1 is on / off controlled by an output signal Ko1 supplied from the detection unit K1.

  One end of the light control circuit LC1 is connected to the drain terminal D of the transistor P1 of the light emission control unit HC7. The other end of the dimming circuit LC1 is connected to the electrode pad T2, in other words, connected to the node Nh1 of the light emitting element group HS1 via the electrode pad T2.

  One end of the light control circuit LC2 is connected to the drain terminal D of the transistor P1 of the light emission control unit HC7. The other end of the light control circuit LC2 is connected to the electrode pad T3, in other words, connected to the node Nh2 of the light emitting element group HS2 via the electrode pad T3.

  The semiconductor chip IC7a has the same configuration as the semiconductor chip IC7. However, in the semiconductor chip IC7a of FIG. 25, for convenience of explanation, “a” is added to the end of the configuration shown in the semiconductor chip IC7 in order to distinguish it from the semiconductor chip IC7. In the semiconductor chip IC7a, the description of the configuration described in the semiconductor chip IC7 is omitted as appropriate. The “comparison circuit CN” is herein referred to as “comparison circuit CNaa” in order to distinguish it from the “comparison circuit CNa” shown in FIG.

  The semiconductor chip IC7a includes an electrode pad T1a, an electrode pad T2a, an electrode pad T3a, an electrode pad T8a, and an electrode pad T9a as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. Further, the semiconductor chip IC 7a includes a light emission control unit HC7a as a second light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1a, and a light control circuit LC2a as a second light control unit.

  The electrode pad T1a is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W2 as a second power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W2 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC7a. The electrode pad T2a is connected to the node Nh11 of the light emitting element group HS11. The electrode pad T3a is connected to the node Nh12 of the light emitting element group HS12. Note that the wiring resistance of the wiring W2 may be different from the wiring resistance of the wiring W1.

  The light emission control unit HC7a includes a comparison circuit CNa as a second comparison circuit, a detection unit K1a as a second detection unit, and a transistor P1a as a second control switch.

  One end of the light control circuit LC1a is connected to the drain terminal D of the transistor P1a of the light emission control unit HC7a. The other end of the light control circuit LC1a is connected to the electrode pad T2a, in other words, connected to the node Nh11 of the light emitting element group HS11 via the electrode pad T2a.

  One end of the dimming circuit LC2a is connected to the drain terminal D of the transistor P1a of the light emission control unit HC7a. The other end of the light control circuit LC2a is connected to the electrode pad T3a, in other words, connected to the node Nh12 of the light emitting element group HS12 via the electrode pad T3a.

  The electrode pad T8a is connected to the electrode pad T9 of the semiconductor chip IC7 through a wiring W4 as a second connection wiring. That is, the wiring W4 electrically connects the node Nd16a and the second input terminal of the detection unit K1.

  The electrode pad T9a is connected to the electrode pad T8 of the semiconductor chip IC7 by a wiring W5 as a third connection wiring. That is, the wiring W5 electrically connects the node Nd16 and the second input terminal of the detection unit K1a.

  Here, in the detection unit K1 of the semiconductor chip IC7, the comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN is input to the first input terminal, and the comparison result output from the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC7a is input to the second input terminal. The signal Vcr1a is input, and these logical sums are supplied to the gate terminal G of the transistor P1 as an output signal Ko1 as a first output signal, thereby controlling the on / off of the transistor P1. That is, light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS are performed by the light emission control unit HC7 and the light emission control unit HC7a of the semiconductor chip IC7a.

  In the detection unit K1a of the semiconductor chip IC7a, the comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN of the semiconductor chip IC7 is input to the first input terminal, and the comparison result signal output from the comparison circuit CNaa to the second input terminal. Vcr1a is input, and these logical sums are supplied to the gate terminal G of the transistor P1a as the output signal Ko1a as the second output signal, thereby controlling the on / off of the transistor P1a. That is, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa are performed by the light emission control unit HC7a and the light emission control unit HC7 of the semiconductor chip IC7.

  Here, ON / OFF of the transistor P1 is determined by the signal level of the output signal Ko1 of the detection unit K1 and the signal level of the output signal Ko1a of the detection unit K1a. The signal level of the output signal Ko1 of the detection unit K1 and the signal level of the output signal Ko1a of the detection unit K1a are the level of the comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN and the comparison result signal Vcr1a output from the comparison circuit CNaa. And the level of

  When both the comparison circuit CN and the comparison circuit CNaa determine that the drive voltage Vk is lower than the light emission reference voltage VHa or a voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, the comparison result signal Vcr1 and the comparison result signal Vcr1a are at a high level. Become. Therefore, a high level signal is input to each of the first input terminal and the second input terminal of each of the detection unit K1 and the detection unit K1a, and the output signal Ko1 and the output signal Ko1a are at the high level. In this case, since a high-level signal is input to the gate terminals G of the transistors P1 and P1a, both the transistors P1 and P1a are turned off.

  The comparison circuit CN determines that the drive voltage Vk is smaller than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa or the light emission reference voltage VHa, and the comparison circuit CNaa determines that the drive voltage Vk is larger than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa or the light emission reference voltage VHa. Is determined, the comparison result signal Vcr1 is at a high level, and the comparison result signal Vcr1a is at a low level. At this time, a low level signal is input to both the second input terminal of the detection unit K1 and the first input terminal of the detection unit K1a, but the first input terminal of the detection unit K1 and the second input of the detection unit K1a. Since a high level signal is input to both terminals, the output signal Ko1 and the output signal Ko1a are at a high level. In this case, since a high-level signal is input to the gate terminals G of the transistors P1 and P1a, both the transistors P1 and P1a are turned off.

  When both the comparison circuit CN and the comparison circuit CNaa determine that the drive voltage Vk is greater than the light emission reference voltage VHa or a voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, the comparison result signal Vcr1 and the comparison result signal Vcr1a are at a low level. Become. Therefore, a low level signal is input to each of the first input terminal and the second input terminal of each of the detection unit K1 and the detection unit K1a, and the output signal Ko1 and the output signal Ko1a become low level. In this case, since a low level signal is input to the gate terminals G of the transistors P1 and P1a, both the transistors P1 and P1a are turned on.

  As described above, according to the illumination device 50, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC7 of the semiconductor chip IC7 and the light emission control unit HC7a of the semiconductor chip IC7a. Even when there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC7 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC7a, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa. be able to.

  Further, according to the lighting device 50, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC7 of the semiconductor chip IC7 and the light emission control unit HC7a of the semiconductor chip IC7a. Has a wiring resistance of the wiring W2 for receiving the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS, and the semiconductor chip IC7 for receiving the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS. Even when the wiring resistance of the wiring W1 is different, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa.

[First Modification of Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an illumination device 50a according to a first modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 50a includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC8 as a first semiconductor chip, and a semiconductor chip IC8a as a second semiconductor chip. In addition, in the illuminating device 50a shown in FIG. 26, about the structure similar to the illuminating device 10b shown in FIG. 4, and the illuminating device 40b shown in FIG. 15, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. .

  The light emitting element group HSB includes a light emitting element group HS and a light emitting element group HSa. The light emitting element group HS includes a light emitting element group HS1 and a light emitting element group HS2 as a first light emitting element group. The light emitting element group HSa includes a light emitting element group HS11 and a light emitting element group HS12 as a second light emitting element group.

  The semiconductor chip IC8 includes an electrode pad T1, an electrode pad T2, an electrode pad T3, an electrode pad T8, and an electrode pad T9 as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. Further, the semiconductor chip IC8 includes a light emission control unit HC7 as a first light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1, and a light control circuit LC2 as a first light control unit.

  The electrode pad T1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W1 as a first power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC8. The electrode pad T2 is connected to the node Nh1 of the light emitting element group HS1. The electrode pad T3 is connected to the node Nh2 of the light emitting element group HS2.

  The light emission control unit HC8 includes a comparison circuit CN as a first comparison circuit, a detection unit K1 as a first detection unit, a transistor P2, and a transistor P3 as a first control switch.

  The dimming circuit LC1 is connected at one end to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1.

  The dimming circuit LC2 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1.

  The transistor P2 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the other end of the dimming circuit LC1, and the drain terminal D is connected to the electrode pad T2, in other words, the node of the light emitting element group HS1 via the electrode pad T2. It is connected to Nh1. Further, the transistor P2 has a gate terminal G connected to the output terminal of the detection unit K1. The transistor P2 is ON / OFF controlled by the output signal Ko1 supplied from the detection unit K1.

  The transistor P3 is a PMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the other end of the dimming circuit LC2, and the drain terminal D is connected to the electrode pad T3, in other words, the node of the light emitting element group HS2 via the electrode pad T3. Connected to Nh2. Further, the gate terminal G of the transistor P3 is connected to the output terminal of the detection unit K1. The transistor P3 is ON / OFF controlled by the output signal Ko1 supplied from the detection unit K1.

  The semiconductor chip IC8a has the same configuration as the semiconductor chip IC8. However, in the semiconductor chip IC8a of FIG. 26, for convenience of explanation, “a” is added to the end of the configuration shown in the semiconductor chip IC8 in order to distinguish it from the semiconductor chip IC8. In the semiconductor chip IC8a, the description of the configuration described in the semiconductor chip IC8 is omitted as appropriate. The “comparison circuit CN” is herein referred to as “comparison circuit CNaa” in order to distinguish it from the “comparison circuit CNa” shown in FIG.

  The semiconductor chip IC8a includes an electrode pad T1a, an electrode pad T2a, an electrode pad T3a, an electrode pad T8a, and an electrode pad T9a as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. The semiconductor chip IC8a includes a light emission control unit HC8a as a second light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1a, and a light control circuit LC2a as a second light control unit. The light emission control unit HC8a includes a comparison circuit CNaa as a second comparison circuit, a detection unit K1a as a second detection unit, a transistor P2a, and a transistor P3a as a second control switch.

  The electrode pad T1a is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W2 as a second power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W2 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC8a. The electrode pad T2a is connected to the node Nh11 of the light emitting element group HS11. The electrode pad T3a is connected to the node Nh12 of the light emitting element group HS12. Note that the wiring resistance of the wiring W2 may be different from the wiring resistance of the wiring W1.

  The light control circuit LC1a has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a.

  The light control circuit LC2a has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a.

  The electrode pad T8a is connected to the electrode pad T9 of the semiconductor chip IC8 by a wiring W4 as a second connection wiring. That is, the wiring W4 electrically connects the node Nd16a and the second input terminal of the detection unit K1.

  The electrode pad T9a is connected to the electrode pad T8 of the semiconductor chip IC8 by a wiring W5 as a third connection wiring. That is, the wiring W5 electrically connects the node Nd16 and the second input terminal of the detection unit K1a.

  Here, in the detection unit K1 of the semiconductor chip IC8, the comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN is input to the first input terminal, and the comparison result output from the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC8a is input to the second input terminal. The signal Vcr1a is input, and these logical sums are supplied to the gate terminals G of the transistors P2 and P3 as an output signal Ko1 as a first output signal, thereby controlling the on / off of the transistors P2 and P3. That is, light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS are performed by the light emission control unit HC8 and the light emission control unit HC8a of the semiconductor chip IC8a.

  The detection unit K1a of the semiconductor chip IC8a receives the comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN of the semiconductor chip IC8 at the first input terminal, and the comparison result signal output from the comparison circuit CNaa at the second input terminal. Vcr1a is input, and these logical sums are supplied as the output signal Ko1a as the second output signal to the gate terminals G of the transistors P2a and P3a, thereby controlling on / off of the transistors P2a and P3a. That is, the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa are performed by the light emission control unit HC8a and the light emission control unit HC8 of the semiconductor chip IC8.

  Here, ON / OFF of the transistor P2 and the transistor P3 is determined by the signal level of the output signal Ko1 of the detection unit K1 and the signal level of the output signal Ko1a of the detection unit K1a. The signal level of the output signal Ko1 of the detection unit K1 and the signal level of the output signal Ko1a of the detection unit K1a are the level of the comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN and the comparison result signal Vcr1a output from the comparison circuit CNaa. And the level of

  When both the comparison circuit CN and the comparison circuit CNaa determine that the drive voltage Vk is lower than the light emission reference voltage VHa or a voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, the comparison result signal Vcr1 and the comparison result signal Vcr1a are at a high level. Become. Therefore, a high level signal is input to each of the first input terminal and the second input terminal of each of the detection unit K1 and the detection unit K1a, and the output signal Ko1 and the output signal Ko1a are at the high level. In this case, since a high level signal is input to the gate terminals G of the transistors P2, P3, P2a, and P3a, the transistors P2, P3, P2a, and P3a are all turned off.

  The comparison circuit CN determines that the drive voltage Vk is smaller than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa or the light emission reference voltage VHa, and the comparison circuit CNaa determines that the drive voltage Vk is larger than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa or the light emission reference voltage VHa. Is determined, the comparison result signal Vcr1 is at a high level, and the comparison result signal Vcr1a is at a low level. At this time, a low level signal is input to both the second input terminal of the detection unit K1 and the first input terminal of the detection unit K1a, but the first input terminal of the detection unit K1 and the second input of the detection unit K1a. Since a high level signal is input to both terminals, the output signal Ko1 and the output signal Ko1a are at a high level. In this case, since a high level signal is input to the gate terminals G of the transistors P2, P3, P2a, and P3a, the transistors P2, P3, P2a, and P3a are all turned off.

  When both the comparison circuit CN and the comparison circuit CNaa determine that the drive voltage Vk is greater than the light emission reference voltage VHa or a voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, the comparison result signal Vcr1 and the comparison result signal Vcr1a are at a low level. Become. Therefore, a low level signal is input to each of the first input terminal and the second input terminal of each of the detection unit K1 and the detection unit K1a, and the output signal Ko1 and the output signal Ko1a become low level. In this case, since a low level signal is input to the gate terminals G of the transistors P2, P3, P2a, and P3a, the transistors P2, P3, P2a, and P3a are all turned on.

  As described above, according to the illumination device 50a, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC8 of the semiconductor chip IC8 and the light emission control unit HC8a of the semiconductor chip IC8a. Even when there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC8 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC8a, the variation in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa is prevented. be able to.

  Further, according to the illumination device 50a, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC8 of the semiconductor chip IC8 and the light emission control unit HC8a of the semiconductor chip IC8a. For the wiring W2 for receiving the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS, and for the semiconductor chip IC8 to receive the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS. Even when the wiring resistance of the wiring W1 is different, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa.

[Second Modification of Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an illumination device 50b according to a second modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 50b includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC9 as a first semiconductor chip, and a semiconductor chip IC9a as a second semiconductor chip. In addition, in the illuminating device 50b shown in FIG. 27, about the structure similar to the illuminating device 20a shown in FIG. 7, and the illuminating device 50 shown in FIG. 25, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. .

  The light emitting element group HSB includes a light emitting element group HS and a light emitting element group HSa. The light emitting element group HS includes a light emitting element group HS1 and a light emitting element group HS2 as a first light emitting element group. The light emitting element group HSa includes a light emitting element group HS11 and a light emitting element group HS12 as a second light emitting element group.

  The semiconductor chip IC9 has an electrode pad T1, an electrode pad T2, an electrode pad T3, an electrode pad T6, an electrode pad T7, an electrode pad T8, and an electrode as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. And a pad T9. Further, the semiconductor chip IC9 includes a light emission control unit HC9 as a first light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1, and a light control circuit LC2 as a first light control unit.

  The electrode pad T1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W1 as a first power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC9. The electrode pad T2 is connected to the node Nh1 of the light emitting element group HS1. The electrode pad T3 is connected to the node Nh2 of the light emitting element group HS2. The electrode pad T6 is connected to one end of the node Nh1a of the light emitting element group HS1. The electrode pad T7 is connected to the node Nh2a of the light emitting element group HS2.

  The light emission control unit HC9 includes a comparison circuit CNa as a first comparison circuit, a detection unit K2 as a first detection unit, a transistor N1, and a transistor N2 as a first control switch.

  The comparison circuit CNa is connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1. The comparison circuit CNa determines whether the drive voltage Vk is larger or smaller than the light emission reference voltage VHa or a voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, and outputs the result as a comparison result signal Vcr2. The output terminal of the comparison circuit CNa is connected to the electrode pad T8.

  The detection unit K2 is an AND circuit including a first input terminal and a second input terminal, for example. The output terminal of the comparison circuit CNa is connected to the first input terminal of the detection unit K2, and the comparison result signal Vcr2 is input. The first input terminal of the detection unit K2 is connected to the electrode pad T8, and the second input terminal is connected to the electrode pad T9. The detection unit K2 outputs a logical product of the signal input to the first input terminal and the signal input to the second input terminal as the output signal Ko2. Here, a connection point between the first input terminal of the detection unit K2 and the comparison circuit CNa is referred to as a node Nd17. The detection unit K2 is not limited to an AND circuit as long as it outputs a logical product of a signal input to the first input terminal and a signal input to the second input terminal as an output signal Ko2, as a result. Various logic circuits can be applied.

  The transistor N1 is an NMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the power supply VSS, the drain terminal D is connected to the electrode pad T6, in other words, connected to one end of the light emitting element group HS1 via the electrode pad T6, and the gate terminal G Is connected to the output terminal of the detector K1. The transistor N1 is on / off controlled by the output signal Ko2 supplied from the detection unit K2.

  One end of the dimming circuit LC1 is connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1. The other end of the dimming circuit LC1 is connected to the electrode pad T2, in other words, connected to the node Nh1 of the light emitting element group HS1 via the electrode pad T2.

  The dimming circuit LC2 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1. The other end of the light control circuit LC2 is connected to the electrode pad T3, in other words, connected to the node Nh2 of the light emitting element group HS2 via the electrode pad T3.

  The semiconductor chip IC9a has the same configuration as the semiconductor chip IC9. However, in the semiconductor chip IC9a of FIG. 27, for the sake of convenience of explanation, “a” is added to the end of the configuration shown in the semiconductor chip IC9 in order to distinguish it from the semiconductor chip IC9. In the semiconductor chip IC9a, the description of the configuration described in the semiconductor chip IC9 is omitted as appropriate. Note that the “comparison circuit CNaaa” is used here to distinguish it from the “comparison circuit CNaa” shown in FIG.

  The semiconductor chip IC9a has an electrode pad T1a, an electrode pad T2a, an electrode pad T3a, an electrode pad T6a, an electrode pad T7a, an electrode pad T8a, and an electrode as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. And a pad T9a. In addition, the semiconductor chip IC9a includes a light emission control unit HC9a as a second light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1a, and a light control circuit LC2a as a second light control unit. The light emission control unit HC9a includes a comparison circuit CNaaa as a second comparison circuit, a detection unit K2a as a second detection unit, a transistor N1a, and a transistor N2a as a second control switch.

  The electrode pad T1a is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W2 as a second power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W2 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC9a. The electrode pad T2a is connected to the node Nh11 of the light emitting element group HS11. The electrode pad T3a is connected to the node Nh12 of the light emitting element group HS12. The electrode pad T6a is connected to one end of the light emitting element group HS11. The electrode pad T7a is connected to one end of the light emitting element group HS12. Note that the wiring resistance of the wiring W2 may be different from the wiring resistance of the wiring W1.

  The light emission control unit HC9a includes a comparison circuit CNaaa as a second comparison circuit, a detection unit K2a as a second detection unit, a transistor N1a, and a transistor N2a as a second control switch.

  The dimming circuit LC11 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a. The other end of the light control circuit LC11 is connected to the electrode pad T2a, in other words, connected to the node Nh11 of the light emitting element group HS11 via the electrode pad T2a.

  The dimming circuit LC12 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a. The other end of the light control circuit LC12 is connected to the electrode pad T3a, in other words, connected to the node Nh12 of the light emitting element group HS12 via the electrode pad T3a.

  The electrode pad T8a is connected to the electrode pad T9 of the semiconductor chip IC9 through a wiring W4 as a second connection wiring. That is, the wiring W4 electrically connects the node Nd17a and the second input terminal of the detection unit K2.

  The electrode pad T9a is connected to the electrode pad T8 of the semiconductor chip IC9 by a wiring W5 as a third connection wiring. That is, the wiring W5 electrically connects the node Nd17 and the second input terminal of the detection unit K2a.

  Here, in the detection unit K2 of the semiconductor chip IC9, the comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa is input to the first input terminal, and the comparison result output from the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC9a is input to the second input terminal. The signal Vcr2a is input, and the logical product of these signals is supplied to the gate terminals G of the transistors N1 and N2 as an output signal Ko2 as a first output signal, thereby controlling the on / off of the transistors N1 and N2. That is, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS are performed by the light emission control unit HC9 and the light emission control unit HC9a of the semiconductor chip IC9a.

  The detection unit K2a of the semiconductor chip IC9a receives the comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC9 at the first input terminal and the comparison result signal output from the comparison circuit CNaa at the second input terminal. Vcr2a is input, and these logical products are supplied as the output signal Ko2a as the second output signal to the gate terminals G of the transistors N1a and N2a, thereby controlling on / off of the transistors N1a and N2a. That is, light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa are performed by the light emission control unit HC9a and the light emission control unit HC9 of the semiconductor chip IC9.

  Here, ON / OFF of the transistor N1 and the transistor N2 is determined by the signal level of the output signal Ko2 of the detection unit K2 and the signal level of the output signal Ko2a of the detection unit K2a. The signal level of the output signal Ko2 of the detection unit K2 and the signal level of the output signal Ko2a of the detection unit K2a are the level of the comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa and the comparison result signal Vcr2a output from the comparison circuit CNaa. And the level of

  When both of the comparison circuit CNa and the comparison circuit CNaa determine that the drive voltage Vk is smaller than the light emission reference voltage VHa or the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, the comparison result signal Vcr2 and the comparison result signal Vcr2a are set to the low level. Become. Therefore, a low level signal is input to each of the first input terminal and the second input terminal of each of the detection unit K2 and the detection unit K2a, and the output signal Ko2 and the output signal Ko2a become the low level. In this case, since the low-level signal is input to the gate terminals G of the transistors N1, N2, N1a, and N2a, the transistors N1, N2, N1a, and N2a are all turned off.

  The comparison circuit CNa determines that the drive voltage Vk is lower than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa or the light emission reference voltage VHa, and the comparison circuit CNaa determines that the drive voltage Vk is higher than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa or the light emission reference voltage VHa. Is determined, the comparison result signal Vcr2 is at a low level, and the comparison result signal Vcr2a is at a high level. At this time, a high level signal is input to both the second input terminal of the detection unit K2 and the first input terminal of the detection unit K2a, but the first input terminal of the detection unit K2 and the second input of the detection unit K2a. A low level signal is input to each terminal. For this reason, the output signal Ko2 and the output signal Ko2a are at a low level. In this case, since the high-level signal is input to the gate terminals G of the transistors N1, N2, N1a, and N2a, the transistors N1, N2, N1a, and N2a are all turned off.

  When both the comparison circuit CNa and the comparison circuit CNaa determine that the drive voltage Vk is greater than the light emission reference voltage VHa or the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, the comparison result signal Vcr2 and the comparison result signal Vcr2a are at a high level. Become. Therefore, a high level signal is input to each of the first input terminal and the second input terminal of each of the detection unit K2 and the detection unit K2a, and the output signal Ko2 and the output signal Ko2a are at the high level. In this case, since a low-level signal is input to the gate terminals G of the transistors N1, N2, N1a, and N2a, the transistors N1, N2, N1a, and N2a are all turned on.

  As described above, according to the illumination device 50b, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC9 of the semiconductor chip IC9 and the light emission control unit HC9a of the semiconductor chip IC9a. Even if there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC9 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC9a, variations in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa are prevented. be able to.

  Further, according to the illumination device 50b, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC9 of the semiconductor chip IC9 and the light emission control unit HC9a of the semiconductor chip IC9a. Wiring resistance of the wiring W2 for receiving the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS, and the semiconductor chip IC9 for receiving the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS. Even when the wiring resistance of the wiring W1 is different, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa.

[Third Modification of Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an illumination device 50c according to a third modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 50c includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC10 as a first semiconductor chip, and a semiconductor chip IC10a as a second semiconductor chip. 28, the lighting device 30 shown in FIG. 8, the lighting device 30a shown in FIG. 10, the lighting device 50a shown in FIG. 25, and the lighting device 50c shown in FIG. About the same structure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The light emitting element group HSB includes a light emitting element group HS and a light emitting element group HSa. The light emitting element group HS includes a light emitting element group HS1 and a light emitting element group HS2 as a first light emitting element group. The light emitting element group HSa includes a light emitting element group HS11 and a light emitting element group HS12 as a second light emitting element group.

  The semiconductor chip IC10 includes an electrode pad T1, an electrode pad T2, an electrode pad T3, an electrode pad T8, and an electrode pad T9 as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. Further, the semiconductor chip IC10 includes a light emission control unit HC10 as a first light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1, and a light control circuit LC2 as a first light control unit. The light emission control unit HC10 includes a comparison circuit CNa as a first comparison circuit, a detection unit K2 as a first detection unit, a transistor P6, and a transistor P7 as a first control switch.

  The electrode pad T1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W1 as a first power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC10. The electrode pad T2 is connected to the node Nh1 of the light emitting element group HS1. The electrode pad T3 is connected to the node Nh2 of the light emitting element group HS2.

  The transistor P6 is a PMOS transistor having a source terminal S connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1, a drain terminal D connected to one end of the dimming circuit LC1, and a gate. The terminal G is connected to the output terminal of the detection unit K2. The transistor P6 is ON / OFF controlled by the output signal Ko2 supplied from the detection unit K2.

  The transistor P7 is a PMOS transistor having a source terminal S connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1, a drain terminal D connected to one end of the dimming circuit LC2, and a gate. The terminal G is connected to the output terminal of the detection unit K2. The transistor P7 is on / off controlled by the output signal Ko2 supplied from the detection unit K2.

  The other end of the light control circuit LC1 is connected to the electrode pad T2, in other words, connected to the node Nh1 of the light emitting element group HS1 via the electrode pad T2.

  The other end of the light control circuit LC2 is connected to the electrode pad T3, in other words, connected to the node Nh2 of the light emitting element group HS2 via the electrode pad T3.

  The semiconductor chip IC10a has the same configuration as the semiconductor chip IC10. However, in the semiconductor chip IC10a of FIG. 28, for convenience of explanation, “a” is added to the end of the configuration shown in the semiconductor chip IC10 in order to distinguish it from the semiconductor chip IC10. In the semiconductor chip IC 10a, the description of the configuration described in the semiconductor chip IC 10 is omitted as appropriate. Note that the “comparison circuit CNaaa” is used here to distinguish it from the “comparison circuit CNaa” shown in FIG.

  The semiconductor chip IC10a includes an electrode pad T1a, an electrode pad T2a, an electrode pad T3a, an electrode pad T8a, and an electrode pad T9a as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. Further, the semiconductor chip IC 10a includes a light emission control unit HC10a as a second light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1a, and a light control circuit LC2a as a second light control unit. The light emission control unit HC10a includes a comparison circuit CNaaa as a second comparison circuit, a detection unit K2a as a second detection unit, a transistor N1a, and a transistor N2a as a second control switch.

  The electrode pad T1a is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W2 as a second power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W2 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC 10a. The electrode pad T2a is connected to the node Nh11 of the light emitting element group HS11. The electrode pad T3a is connected to the node Nh12 of the light emitting element group HS12. Note that the wiring resistance of the wiring W2 may be different from the wiring resistance of the wiring W1.

  The light emission control unit HC10a includes a comparison circuit CNaaa as a second comparison circuit, a detection unit K2a as a second detection unit, a transistor P6a, and a transistor P7a as a second control switch.

  The other end of the light control circuit LC11 is connected to the electrode pad T2a, in other words, connected to the node Nh11 of the light emitting element group HS11 via the electrode pad T2a.

  The other end of the light control circuit LC12 is connected to the electrode pad T3a, in other words, connected to the node Nh12 of the light emitting element group HS12 via the electrode pad T3a.

  The electrode pad T8a is connected to the electrode pad T9 of the semiconductor chip IC10 by a wiring W4 as a second connection wiring. That is, the wiring W4 electrically connects the node Nd17a and the second input terminal of the detection unit K2.

  The electrode pad T9a is connected to the electrode pad T8 of the semiconductor chip IC10 by a wiring W5 as a third connection wiring. That is, the wiring W5 electrically connects the node Nd17 and the second input terminal of the detection unit K2a.

  Here, in the detection unit K2 of the semiconductor chip IC10, the comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa is input to the first input terminal, and the comparison result output from the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC10a is input to the second input terminal. The signal Vcr2a is input, and the logical product of these signals is supplied to the gate terminals G of the transistors P6 and P7 as an output signal Ko2 as a first output signal, thereby controlling on / off of the transistors P6 and P7. That is, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS are performed by the light emission control unit HC10 and the light emission control unit HC10a of the semiconductor chip IC10a.

  The detection unit K2a of the semiconductor chip IC10a receives the comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC10 at the first input terminal and the comparison result signal output from the comparison circuit CNaa at the second input terminal. Vcr2a is input, and these logical products are supplied as the output signal Ko2a as the second output signal to the gate terminals G of the transistors N1a and N2a, thereby controlling on / off of the transistors P6a and P7a. That is, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa are performed by the light emission control unit HC10a and the light emission control unit HC10 of the semiconductor chip IC10.

  Here, ON / OFF of the transistor P6 and the transistor P7 is determined by the signal level of the output signal Ko2 of the detection unit K2 and the signal level of the output signal Ko2a of the detection unit K2a. The signal level of the output signal Ko2 of the detection unit K2 and the signal level of the output signal Ko2a of the detection unit K2a are the level of the comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa and the comparison result signal Vcr2a output from the comparison circuit CNaa. And the level of

  When both of the comparison circuit CNa and the comparison circuit CNaa determine that the drive voltage Vk is smaller than the light emission reference voltage VHa or the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, the comparison result signal Vcr2 and the comparison result signal Vcr2a are set to the low level. Become. Therefore, a low level signal is input to each of the first input terminal and the second input terminal of each of the detection unit K2 and the detection unit K2a, and the output signal Ko2 and the output signal Ko2a become the low level. In this case, since a low-level signal is input to the gate terminals G of the transistors P6, P7, P6a, and P7a, the transistors P6, P7, P6a, and P7a are all turned on.

  The comparison circuit CNa determines that the drive voltage Vk is lower than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa or the light emission reference voltage VHa, and the comparison circuit CNaa determines that the drive voltage Vk is higher than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa or the light emission reference voltage VHa. Is determined, the comparison result signal Vcr2 is at a low level, and the comparison result signal Vcr2a is at a high level. At this time, a high level signal is input to both the second input terminal of the detection unit K2 and the first input terminal of the detection unit K2a, but the first input terminal of the detection unit K2 and the second input of the detection unit K2a. A low level signal is input to each terminal. For this reason, the output signal Ko2 and the output signal Ko2a are at a low level. In this case, since a high level signal is input to the gate terminal G of the transistor P6, the transistor P7, the transistor P6a, and the transistor P7a, the transistor P6, the transistor P7, the transistor P6a, and the transistor P7a are all turned on.

  When both the comparison circuit CNa and the comparison circuit CNaa determine that the drive voltage Vk is greater than the light emission reference voltage VHa or the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, the comparison result signal Vcr2 and the comparison result signal Vcr2a are at a high level. Become. Therefore, a high level signal is input to each of the first input terminal and the second input terminal of each of the detection unit K2 and the detection unit K2a, and the output signal Ko2 and the output signal Ko2a are at the high level. In this case, since a low-level signal is input to the gate terminals G of the transistors P6, P7, P6a, and P7a, the transistors P6, P7, P6a, and P7a are all turned off.

  As described above, according to the illumination device 50c, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC10 of the semiconductor chip IC10 and the light emission control unit HC10a of the semiconductor chip IC10a. Even if there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC10 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC10a, the variation in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa is prevented. be able to.

  Further, according to the illumination device 50c, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC10 of the semiconductor chip IC10 and the light emission control unit HC10a of the semiconductor chip IC10a. Has a wiring resistance for the wiring W2 for receiving the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS, and for the semiconductor chip IC10 to receive the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS. Even when the wiring resistance of the wiring W1 is different, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa.

[Fourth Modification of Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a lighting device 50d according to a fourth modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 50d includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC11 as a first semiconductor chip, and a semiconductor chip IC11a as a second semiconductor chip. In addition, in the illuminating device 50d shown in FIG. 29, about the structure similar to the illuminating device 30b shown in FIG. 11, and the illuminating device 50d shown in FIG. 28, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. .

  The light emitting element group HSB includes a light emitting element group HS and a light emitting element group HSa. The light emitting element group HS includes a light emitting element group HS1 and a light emitting element group HS2 as a first light emitting element group. The light emitting element group HSa includes a light emitting element group HS11 and a light emitting element group HS12 as a second light emitting element group.

  The semiconductor chip IC11 includes an electrode pad T1, an electrode pad T2, an electrode pad T3, an electrode pad T8, and an electrode pad T9 as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. In addition, the semiconductor chip IC11 includes a light emission control unit HC11 as a first light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1, and a light control circuit LC2 as a first light control unit. The light emission control unit HC11 includes a comparison circuit CNa as a first comparison circuit, a detection unit K2 as a first detection unit, a transistor N3, and a transistor N4 as a first control switch.

  The electrode pad T1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W1 as a first power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC11. The electrode pad T2 is connected to the node Nh1 of the light emitting element group HS1. The electrode pad T3 is connected to the node Nh2 of the light emitting element group HS2.

  The transistor N3 is an NMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the dimming circuit LC1, the drain terminal D is connected to the power supply VSS, and the gate terminal G is connected to the output terminal of the detection unit K2. The transistor N3 is ON / OFF controlled by the output signal Ko2 supplied from the detection unit K2.

  The transistor N4 is an NMOS transistor, the source terminal S is connected to the dimming circuit LC2, the drain terminal D is connected to the power source VSS, and the gate terminal G is connected to the output terminal of the detection unit K2. The transistor N4 is on / off controlled by the output signal Ko2 supplied from the detection unit K2.

  The light control circuit LC1 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T2, in other words, the light emitting element group via the electrode pad T2. It is connected to the node Nh1 of HS1.

  The light control circuit LC2 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T3, in other words, the light emitting element group via the electrode pad T3. It is connected to the node Nh2 of HS2.

  The semiconductor chip IC11a has the same configuration as the semiconductor chip IC11. However, in the semiconductor chip IC11a of FIG. 29, for convenience of explanation, “a” is added to the end of the configuration shown in the semiconductor chip IC11 to distinguish it from the semiconductor chip IC11. In the semiconductor chip IC11a, the description of the configuration described in the semiconductor chip IC11 is omitted as appropriate. Note that the “comparison circuit CNaaa” is used here to distinguish it from the “comparison circuit CNaa” shown in FIG.

  The semiconductor chip IC11a includes an electrode pad T1a, an electrode pad T2a, an electrode pad T3a, an electrode pad T8a, and an electrode pad T9a as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. The semiconductor chip IC11a includes a light emission control unit HC11a as a second light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC1a, and a light control circuit LC2a as a second light control unit. The light emission control unit HC11a includes a comparison circuit CNaaa as a second comparison circuit, a detection unit K2a as a second detection unit, a transistor N3a, and a transistor N4a as a second control switch.

  The electrode pad T1a is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W2 as a second power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W2 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC11a. The electrode pad T2a is connected to the node Nh11 of the light emitting element group HS11. The electrode pad T3a is connected to the node Nh12 of the light emitting element group HS12. Note that the wiring resistance of the wiring W2 may be different from the wiring resistance of the wiring W1.

  The light control circuit LC11 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T2a, in other words, the light emitting element group via the electrode pad T2a. It is connected to the node Nh11 of the HS11.

  The light control circuit LC12 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T3a, in other words, the light emitting element group via the electrode pad T3a. It is connected to the node Nh12 of the HS12.

  The electrode pad T8a is connected to the electrode pad T9 of the semiconductor chip IC11 by a wiring W4 as a second connection wiring. That is, the wiring W4 electrically connects the node Nd17a and the second input terminal of the detection unit K2.

  The electrode pad T9a is connected to the electrode pad T8 of the semiconductor chip IC11 by a wiring W5 as a third connection wiring. That is, the wiring W5 electrically connects the node Nd17 and the second input terminal of the detection unit K2a.

  Here, in the detection unit K2 of the semiconductor chip IC11, the comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa is input to the first input terminal, and the comparison result output from the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC11a is input to the second input terminal. The signal Vcr2a is input, and the logical product of these signals is supplied to the gate terminals G of the transistors N3 and N4 as an output signal Ko2 as a first output signal, thereby controlling on / off of the transistors N3 and N4. That is, light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS are performed by the light emission control unit HC11 and the light emission control unit HC11a of the semiconductor chip IC11a.

  Further, the detection unit K2a of the semiconductor chip IC11a receives the comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC11 at the first input terminal, and the comparison result signal output from the comparison circuit CNaa at the second input terminal. Vcr2a is input, and these logical products are supplied as the output signal Ko2a as the second output signal to the gate terminals G of the transistors N1a and N2a, thereby controlling on / off of the transistors N3a and N4a. That is, light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa are performed by the light emission control unit HC11a and the light emission control unit HC11 of the semiconductor chip IC11.

  Here, ON / OFF of the transistor N3 and the transistor N4 is determined by the signal level of the output signal Ko2 of the detection unit K2 and the signal level of the output signal Ko2a of the detection unit K2a. The signal level of the output signal Ko2 of the detection unit K2 and the signal level of the output signal Ko2a of the detection unit K2a are the level of the comparison result signal Vcr2 output from the comparison circuit CNa and the comparison result signal Vcr2a output from the comparison circuit CNaa. And the level of

  When both of the comparison circuit CNa and the comparison circuit CNaa determine that the drive voltage Vk is smaller than the light emission reference voltage VHa or the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, the comparison result signal Vcr2 and the comparison result signal Vcr2a are set to the low level. Become. Therefore, a low level signal is input to each of the first input terminal and the second input terminal of each of the detection unit K2 and the detection unit K2a, and the output signal Ko2 and the output signal Ko2a become the low level. In this case, since a low-level signal is input to the gate terminals G of the transistors N3, N4, N3a, and N4a, the transistors N3, N4, N3a, and N4a are all turned off.

  The comparison circuit CNa determines that the drive voltage Vk is lower than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa or the light emission reference voltage VHa, and the comparison circuit CNaa determines that the drive voltage Vk is higher than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa or the light emission reference voltage VHa. Is determined, the comparison result signal Vcr2 is at a low level, and the comparison result signal Vcr2a is at a high level. At this time, a high level signal is input to both the second input terminal of the detection unit K2 and the first input terminal of the detection unit K2a, but the first input terminal of the detection unit K2 and the second input of the detection unit K2a. A low level signal is input to each terminal. For this reason, the output signal Ko2 and the output signal Ko2a are at a low level. In this case, since a high-level signal is input to the gate terminals G of the transistors N3, N4, N3a, and N4a, the transistors N3, N4, N3a, and N4a are all turned off.

  When both the comparison circuit CNa and the comparison circuit CNaa determine that the drive voltage Vk is greater than the light emission reference voltage VHa or the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, the comparison result signal Vcr2 and the comparison result signal Vcr2a are at a high level. Become. Therefore, a high level signal is input to each of the first input terminal and the second input terminal of each of the detection unit K2 and the detection unit K2a, and the output signal Ko2 and the output signal Ko2a are at the high level. In this case, since a low-level signal is input to the gate terminals G of the transistors N3, N4, N3a, and N4a, the transistors N3, N4, N3a, and N4a are all turned on.

  As described above, according to the illumination device 50d, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC11 of the semiconductor chip IC11 and the light emission control unit HC11a of the semiconductor chip IC11a. Even if there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC11 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC11a, the variation in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa is prevented. be able to.

  Further, according to the illumination device 50d, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC11 of the semiconductor chip IC11 and the light emission control unit HC11a of the semiconductor chip IC11a. Has a wiring resistance for the wiring W2 for receiving the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS, and for the semiconductor chip IC10 to receive the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS. Even when the wiring resistance of the wiring W1 is different, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa.

[Fifth Modification of Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an illumination device 50e according to a fifth modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The illumination device 50e includes a power supply circuit VS, a light emitting element group HSB, a semiconductor chip IC12 as a first semiconductor chip, and a semiconductor chip IC12a as a second semiconductor chip. In the lighting device 50e shown in FIG. 30, the same components as those in the lighting device 30c shown in FIG. 12 and the lighting device 50 shown in FIG. .

  The light emitting element group HSB includes a light emitting element group HS and a light emitting element group HSa. The light emitting element group HS includes a light emitting element group HS1 and a light emitting element group HS2 as a first light emitting element group. The light emitting element group HSa includes a light emitting element group HS11 and a light emitting element group HS12 as a second light emitting element group.

  The semiconductor chip IC12 has an electrode pad T1, an electrode pad T2, an electrode pad T3, an electrode pad T6, an electrode pad T7, an electrode pad T8, and an electrode as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. And a pad T9. The semiconductor chip IC12 includes a light emission control unit HC12 as a first light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC11, and a light control circuit LC12 as a first light control unit.

  The electrode pad T1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W1 as a first power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W1 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC12. The electrode pad T2 is connected to the node Nh1 of the light emitting element group HS1. The electrode pad T3 is connected to the node Nh2 of the light emitting element group HS2. The electrode pad T6 is connected to one end of the light emitting element group HS1. The electrode pad T7 is connected to one end of the light emitting element group HS2.

  The dimming circuit LC11 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1. The other end of the dimming circuit LC11 is connected to the electrode pad T2, in other words, connected to the node Nh1 of the light emitting element group HS1 via the electrode pad T2, and the other end is connected to the electrode pad T6. It is connected to the node Nd8 of the light emitting element group HS1 via T6. The dimming circuit LC11 includes the drive circuit KD1 and the transistor N5 shown in FIG.

  The dimming circuit LC12 has one end connected to the electrode pad T1, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1. The light control circuit LC12 has the other end connected to the electrode pad T3, in other words, connected to the node Nh2 of the light emitting element group HS2 via the electrode pad T3, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T7, in other words, the electrode pad. It is connected to the node Nd9 of the light emitting element group HS2 via T7. The dimming circuit LC12 includes the drive circuit KD2 and the transistor N6 shown in FIG.

  The light emission control unit HC12 includes a comparison circuit CN as a first comparison circuit and a detection unit K1. The output terminal of the detection unit K1 is connected to the drive circuit KD1 of the dimmer circuit LC11 and the drive circuit KD2 of the dimmer circuit 12. In other words, the output terminal of the comparison circuit CN is connected to the drive circuit KD1 of the dimming circuit LC11 and the drive circuit KD2 of the dimming circuit 12 via the output terminal of the detection unit K1. The output signal Ko1 of the detection unit K1 is input to the drive circuit KD1 and the drive circuit KD2, respectively.

  The semiconductor chip IC12a has the same configuration as the semiconductor chip IC12. However, in the semiconductor chip IC12a of FIG. 30, for the sake of convenience of description, “a” is added to the end of the configuration shown in the semiconductor chip IC12 to distinguish it from the semiconductor chip IC12. In the semiconductor chip IC 12a, the description of the configuration described in the semiconductor chip IC 12 is omitted as appropriate. The “comparison circuit CN” is herein referred to as “comparison circuit CNaa” in order to distinguish it from the “comparison circuit CNa” shown in FIG.

  The semiconductor chip IC12a has electrode pads T1a, electrode pads T2a, electrode pads T3a, electrode pads T6a, electrode pads T7a, electrode pads T8a, and electrodes as electrode pads for electrical connection with the outside. And a pad T9a. In addition, the semiconductor chip IC12a includes a light emission control unit HC12a as a second light emission control unit, a light control circuit LC11a, and a light control circuit LC12a as a second light control unit.

  The electrode pad T1a is connected to the power supply circuit VS via a wiring W2 as a second power supply wiring. In other words, the wiring W2 is connected to the power supply circuit VS and the semiconductor chip IC12a. The electrode pad T2a is connected to the node Nh11 of the light emitting element group HS11. The electrode pad T3a is connected to the node Nh12 of the light emitting element group HS12. Note that the wiring resistance of the wiring W2 may be different from the wiring resistance of the wiring W1.

  The dimming circuit LC11a has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a. The light control circuit LC11a has the other end connected to the electrode pad T2a, in other words, connected to the node Nh11 of the light emitting element group HS11 via the electrode pad T2a, and the other end connected to the electrode pad T6a, in other words, the electrode pad. It is connected to the node Nd8a of the light emitting element group HS11 via T6a. The dimming circuit LC11a includes a drive circuit KD1a and a transistor N5a.

  The dimming circuit LC12a has one end connected to the electrode pad T1a, in other words, connected to the power supply circuit VS via the electrode pad T1a. The other end of the dimming circuit LC12a is connected to the electrode pad T3a, in other words, connected to the node Nh12 of the light emitting element group HS12 via the electrode pad T3a, and the other end is connected to the electrode pad T7a. It is connected to the node Nd9a of the light emitting element group HS12 through T7a. The light control circuit LC12a includes a drive circuit KD2a and a transistor N6a.

  The light emission control unit HC12a includes a comparison circuit CNaa as a second comparison circuit and a detection unit K1a as a second detection unit. The output terminal of the detection unit K1a is connected to the drive circuit KD1a of the dimming circuit LC11a and the drive circuit KD2a of the dimming circuit 12a. In other words, the output terminal of the comparison circuit CNaa is connected to the drive circuit KD1a of the dimming circuit LC11a and the drive circuit KD2a of the dimming circuit 12a via the output terminal of the detection unit K1a. The output signal Ko1a from the detection unit K1a is input to the drive circuit KD1a and the drive circuit KD2a, respectively.

  The electrode pad T8a is connected to the electrode pad T9 of the semiconductor chip IC12 by a wiring W4 as a second connection wiring. That is, the wiring W4 electrically connects the node Nd16a and the second input terminal of the detection unit K1.

  The electrode pad T9a is connected to the electrode pad T8 of the semiconductor chip IC12 by a wiring W5 as a third connection wiring. That is, the wiring W5 electrically connects the node Nd16 and the second input terminal of the detection unit K1a.

  Here, in the detection unit K1 of the semiconductor chip IC12, the comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN is input to the first input terminal, and the comparison result output from the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC12a is input to the second input terminal. The signal Vcr1a is input, and these logical sums are supplied to the drive circuit KD1 and the drive circuit KD2 as the output signal Ko1 as the first output signal, thereby controlling the outputs of the drive circuit KD1 and the drive circuit KD2. That is, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HS are performed by the light emission control unit HC12 and the light emission control unit HC12a of the semiconductor chip IC12a.

  In the detection unit K1a of the semiconductor chip IC12a, the comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN of the semiconductor chip IC12 is input to the first input terminal, and the comparison result signal output from the comparison circuit CNaa to the second input terminal. Vcr1a is input, and these logical sums are supplied to the drive circuit KD1a and the drive circuit KD2a as the output signal Ko1a as the second output signal, thereby controlling the outputs of the drive circuit KD1a and the drive circuit KD2a. That is, the light emission control and light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSa are performed by the light emission control unit HC12a and the light emission control unit HC12 of the semiconductor chip IC12.

  Here, the outputs of the drive circuit KD1 and the drive circuit KD2 are determined by the signal level of the output signal Ko1 of the detection unit K1 and the signal level of the output signal Ko1a of the detection unit K1a. The signal level of the output signal Ko1 of the detection unit K1 and the signal level of the output signal Ko1a of the detection unit K1a are the level of the comparison result signal Vcr1 output from the comparison circuit CN and the comparison result signal Vcr1a output from the comparison circuit CNaa. And the level of

  When both the comparison circuit CN and the comparison circuit CNaa determine that the drive voltage Vk is lower than the light emission reference voltage VHa or a voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, the comparison result signal Vcr1 and the comparison result signal Vcr1a are at a high level. Become. Therefore, a high level signal is input to each of the first input terminal and the second input terminal of each of the detection unit K1 and the detection unit K1a, and the output signal Ko1 and the output signal Ko1a are at the high level. In this case, since high-level signals are input to the drive circuit KD1, the drive circuit KD2, the drive circuit KD1a, and the drive circuit KD2a, the transistors N5, N6, N5a, and N6a are all turned off.

  The comparison circuit CN determines that the drive voltage Vk is smaller than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa or the light emission reference voltage VHa, and the comparison circuit CNaa determines that the drive voltage Vk is larger than the voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa or the light emission reference voltage VHa. Is determined, the comparison result signal Vcr1 is at a high level, and the comparison result signal Vcr1a is at a low level. At this time, a low level signal is input to both the second input terminal of the detection unit K1 and the first input terminal of the detection unit K1a, but the first input terminal of the detection unit K1 and the second input of the detection unit K1a. Since a high level signal is input to both terminals, the output signal Ko1 and the output signal Ko1a are at a high level. In this case, since high-level signals are input to the drive circuit KD1, the drive circuit KD2, the drive circuit KD1a, and the drive circuit KD2a, the transistors N5, N6, N5a, and N6a are all turned off.

  When both the comparison circuit CN and the comparison circuit CNaa determine that the drive voltage Vk is greater than the light emission reference voltage VHa or a voltage based on the light emission reference voltage VHa, the comparison result signal Vcr1 and the comparison result signal Vcr1a are at a low level. Become. Therefore, a low level signal is input to each of the first input terminal and the second input terminal of each of the detection unit K1 and the detection unit K1a, and the output signal Ko1 and the output signal Ko1a become low level. In this case, since the low-level signal is input to the driver circuit KD1, the driver circuit KD2, the driver circuit KD1a, and the driver circuit KD2a, the transistors N5, N6, N5a, and N6a are all turned on.

  As described above, according to the illumination device 50e, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC12 of the semiconductor chip IC12 and the light emission control unit HC12a of the semiconductor chip IC12a. Even if there is a manufacturing variation between the comparison circuit CNa of the semiconductor chip IC12 and the comparison circuit CNaa of the semiconductor chip IC12a, the variation in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa is prevented. be able to.

  Further, according to the illumination device 50e, the light emission control and the light emission stop control of the light emitting element group HSB are performed by the light emission control unit HC12 of the semiconductor chip IC12 and the light emission control unit HC12a of the semiconductor chip IC12a. Has a wiring resistance of the wiring W2 for receiving the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS, and the semiconductor chip IC7 for receiving the power supply of the driving voltage Vk and the driving current Ik from the power supply circuit VS. Even when the wiring resistance of the wiring W1 is different, it is possible to prevent variations in the timing of light emission and extinction between the light emitting element group HS and the light emitting element group HSa.

  Since the illumination device according to the present invention can prevent variations in the light emission timing of the light emitting elements of each light emitting element group, the industrial applicability is extremely high.

VS power supply circuit HC, HCa, HCb, HCc, HCd, HCe, HC1, HC2, HC3, HC4, HC5, HC6, HC7, HC8, HC9, HC10, HC11, HC12, HC1a, HC2a, HC3a, HC4a, HC5a, HC6a, HC7a, HC8a, HC9a, HC10a, HC11a, HC12a Light emission control unit CN, CNa, CNL1, CNL2, CNL1a, CNL2a, CNaa, CNAaa comparison circuit LC1, LC2, LC1a, LC2a, LC11, LC12, LC11a, LC12 Circuit Vk Drive voltage Ik Drive current Vh1, Vh2 Light emission voltage Ih1, Ih2 Light emission current HS, HS1, HS2, HSa, HS11, HS12, HSB Light emitting element group HS1a, HS2a Light emitting element Vc Comparison voltage Vref1 , Vref2, Vref3 Reference voltage Ref1, Ref2, Ref3, Ref4, Ref5 Reference power supply Vcr1, Vcr2, Vcr3, Vcr4, Vcr5, Vcr6 Comparison result voltage Cp1, Cp2, Cp3, Cp4, Cp5, Cp3Rh, Cp6Rh , R1, R2, R3, R4, Rh1a, Rh2 resistance elements N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, P10, P11, P12, P13, N1a, N2a, N3a, N4a, N5a, N6a, P1a, P2a, P3a, P4a, P5a, P6a, P7a, P8a, P9a, P10a, P11a, P12a, P13a Transistors IC1, IC2, IC3, IC4, IC5 IC6, IC7, IC8, IC9 IC10, IC11, IC12, IC1a, IC2a, IC3a, IC4a, IC5a, IC6a, IC7a, IC8a, IC9a, IC10a, IC11a, IC12a Semiconductor chips T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T1a , T2a, T3a, T4a, T5a, T6a, T7a, T8a, T9a Electrode pads

Claims (8)

At least one dimming unit for adjusting a light emission current flowing in the light emitting element group;
A light emission control unit that detects the magnitude relationship between the drive voltage and the light emission reference voltage and controls the light control unit;
A power supply circuit for supplying the drive voltage;
Have
The light emission control unit can generate the light emission current in the dimming unit when the drive voltage is larger than the light emission reference voltage, and when the drive voltage is smaller than the light emission reference voltage, The light emitting unit cannot generate the light emission current ,
The light emission control unit
A comparison circuit that compares the comparison voltage based on the drive voltage with a predetermined reference voltage and outputs a comparison result signal;
A control switch whose on / off is controlled based on the comparison result signal;
Including
The dimming unit is configured to control whether the light emission current is generated by turning on and off the control switch.
The light control unit is
A dimming comparison circuit that outputs a dimming control signal so that a dimming comparison voltage based on the light emission current matches a predetermined dimming reference voltage;
A dimming switch connected between the power supply circuit and the light emitting element group, the output level of which is controlled according to the dimming control signal;
Including
One end of the control switch is connected to the power supply circuit, and the other end is connected to a dimming reference voltage input terminal of the dimming comparison circuit. At least one dimming unit for adjusting a light emission current flowing in the light emitting element group;
A light emission control unit that detects the magnitude relationship between the drive voltage and the light emission reference voltage and controls the light control unit;
A power supply circuit for supplying the drive voltage;
Have
The light emission control unit can generate the light emission current in the dimming unit when the drive voltage is larger than the light emission reference voltage, and when the drive voltage is smaller than the light emission reference voltage, The light emitting unit cannot generate the light emission current ,
The light emission control unit
A comparison circuit that compares the comparison voltage based on the drive voltage with a predetermined reference voltage and outputs a comparison result signal;
A control switch whose on / off is controlled based on the comparison result signal;
Including
The dimming unit is configured to control whether the light emission current is generated by turning on and off the control switch.
The light control unit is
A dimming comparison circuit that outputs a dimming control signal so that a dimming comparison voltage based on the light emission current matches a predetermined dimming reference voltage;
A dimming switch connected between the power supply circuit and the light emitting element group, the output level of which is controlled according to the dimming control signal;
Including
The light emitting element drive circuit , wherein the control switch is connected between a lower power supply terminal and a ground terminal of the dimming comparison circuit. As the light control unit,
A first dimming unit for adjusting a first light emission current flowing in the first light emitting element group;
A second light control unit for adjusting a second light emission current flowing in the second light emitting element group;
The light-emitting element driving circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the light-emitting element driving circuit is provided. A plurality of sets of the light control unit and the light emission control unit are provided,
Wherein the plurality of sets of light emission control unit, claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a function to selectively operate only any one as all control main dimmer of the plurality of sets The light emitting element drive circuit according to any one of the above. The light emitting element group includes a plurality of light emitting elements connected in series that emit light when the light emission voltage based on the drive voltage is applied at the light emission reference voltage or higher and the light emission current flows. light-emitting element driving circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized. The dimmer switch has a source according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drain is connected to the power supply circuit is connected PMOS transistor to the light emitting element group Light emitting element driving circuit.   A light emitting element driving circuit for controlling a switch included in a current path for supplying a light emitting current to the light emitting element group,
  A comparison circuit configured to output a comparison result signal for controlling on and off of the switch by comparing a voltage proportional to a voltage at one end of the switch and a predetermined reference voltage;
  A dimming unit configured to adjust the light-emitting current flowing through the light-emitting element group, and configured to control whether the light-emitting current is generated according to on and off of the switch;
  A light emitting element driving circuit comprising:   A light emitting element driving circuit for controlling a switch included in a current path for supplying a light emitting current to the light emitting element group,
  A comparison terminal connected to one end of the switch;
  A comparison circuit configured to output a comparison result signal for controlling on and off of the switch by comparing a voltage proportional to the voltage of the comparison terminal and a predetermined reference voltage;
  A dimming unit configured to adjust the light-emitting current flowing through the light-emitting element group, and configured to control whether the light-emitting current is generated according to on and off of the switch;
  A light emitting element driving circuit comprising:

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