How does the Xenon Flash in Lumia; or, if fact any compact device work

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the functioning and integration of xenon flash technology in compact devices like cell phones, particularly focusing on the challenges of using large capacitors in microprocessor-based systems.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how xenon flash circuits are minimized in microprocessors, noting that high voltage is required for flash tubes and that large capacitors are typically needed.
  • Another participant suggests that capacitors do not need to be part of the microprocessor itself and could be standard capacitors mounted separately.
  • A participant expresses concern about the feasibility of using large capacitors in cell phones and inquires about possible workarounds.
  • One participant provides links to external resources that discuss cellphone xenon lamp drivers and related technologies.
  • Another participant shares personal experience, noting that capacitors in these devices can be surprisingly small and mentions a flash module that could fit in a mobile device.
  • One participant observes that most cell phones they have encountered use LEDs instead of xenon flash technology.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus regarding the integration of xenon flash technology in cell phones, with multiple competing views on the use of capacitors and the prevalence of LED technology.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding assumptions about the size and type of capacitors that can be used in compact devices, as well as the specific design choices made in different models of cell phones.

PrashntS
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I don't need basics, I know the causes how xenon flash "works" ; I need to know how do they minimise this kind of circuit in microprocessor?
camera-flash-diagram.gif

My question: The Flash tubes require kVs of potential difference to work. I am aware that big capacitors are required to make them work. This is okay upto digital cameras where they can put big capacitors.
But cell phones? I read somewhere that microprocessors can't have big capacitors. So how come they work?
 
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Why do you think the capacitor is part of a micropocessor? It can be a standard capacitor, mounted separately.
 
I mean to ask if there is some other work around. Putting massive capacitor in a cell phone is nearly impossible.
 
here's some reading for you

http://www.osram-os.com/osram_os/en/press/press-releases/led-for-automotive%2c-consumer%2c-industry/2012/osram-oslux/index.jsp?mkturl=pr-OSLUX
http://www.xenon-technologies.com/userfiles/files/XEN003066YC_ProductCat_05oct10.pdf

http://powerelectronics.com/mobile/supercaps-lighten-load-led-flash-applicationsthese two describe cellphone xenon lamp drivers
http://cds.linear.com/docs/en/application-note/an98f.pdf
http://cds.linear.com/docs/en/application-note/an95f.pdf

Take a dead one apart and see how they did it.. you can become the expert !
 
Last edited by a moderator:
From what I have seen capacitors in these devices are surprisingly small. Last year I have replaced the shutter button in my idiot camera, and from what I remember whole flash module was small enough to fit in my mobile - granted, my mobile is not the Lumia, but also the flash module was not designed to be slim.
 
Most cell phones I have seen use LEDs.
 

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