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

[PrashntS]

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?

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?

 

[Borek]

Why do you think the capacitor is part of a micropocessor? It can be a standard capacitor, mounted separately.

 

[PrashntS]

I mean to ask if there is some other work around. Putting massive capacitor in a cell phone is nearly impossible.

 

[jim hardy]

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 !

 

[Borek]

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.

 

[Windadct]

Most cell phones I have seen use LEDs.