An LED driver is a self-contained power supply that has outputs matched to the electrical characteristics of your LED or array of LEDs. LED drivers are of the constant voltage type and the constant current type. Some drivers are manufactured to operate specific LED devices or arrays, while others can operate most commonly available LEDs.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013: LED controllers, on the other hand, are used for controlling the LEDs in a wide range of applications. LED controllers enable blinking and dimming of LEDs, as well as colour mixing and pulse-width modulation (PWM) for LED control. Let’s have a look at the new launches in this domain.
Model: LED-SPCV-LV100W, Brand: Opto 22, Product: LED driver, Manufacturer: Opto 22, USA
Launched in January 2013, LED-SPCV-LV100W LED driver uses pulse width modulation (PWM) to control LED brightness (0-100 per cent) for 9-30 VDC constant voltage LED lighting assemblies such as lamps, bulbs, strips, ropes and bars. Lighting designers, facility engineers and architects can use the dimmer in applications such as stage or accent lighting, LED colour mixing, path marking, backlighting, and facade or wall lighting.
Key features
Provides complete control of LED intensity (0-100 per cent) through serial communication or manual push buttons • Uses DMX512-A, Modbus/ASCII, or Optomux protocols
Contact details: Benson Hougland, vice president, marketing, [email protected]; Ph: 951-695-3000; www.opto22.com
India distributors: Lotus Wireless and Ramco Systems Ltd
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Model: A6213, Brand: Allegro MicroSystems, Product: LED driver, Manufacturer: Allegro MicroSystems Inc, USA
Launched in January 2013, A6213 is a constant-current LED driver IC that has full AEC-Q100 automotive qualification and operates over a wide input voltage range from 6 V to 48 V. It is a DC-DC buck switching regulator and includes a range of innovative fault protection features.
Key features
LED dimming is accomplished via a direct logic input PWM signal such as an automotive courtesy signal •PWM dimming and enable signals range from logic level (1.8 V) to the input voltage level •Provides load supply and gate drive under voltage lockout protection, thermal shut down protection, and load over-voltage protection (OVP)
Contact details: Stephanie Fennelly, director, marketing communications; [email protected]; Ph: 508-854-5363; www.allegromicro.com
India distributors: Digi-Key Corporation
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Model: ISL1903/1904, Brand: Intersil, Product: LED controller, Manufacturer: Intersil Corporation, USA
Launched in January 2013, ISL1903 and ISL1904 are high-performance; single-ended buck and flyback LED driver controllers that support single-stage conversion of the AC mains to a constant current source with power factor correction (PFC). ISL1903 supports buck converter topologies and ISL1904 supports isolated flyback as well as non-isolated SEPIC and boost topologies.
Key features
Configurable for either PWM or DC current dimming control of LEDs •Compatible with leading and trailing edge dimmers •0 to 100 per cent dimming capability •Less than 20 per cent harmonic content •Closed loop soft-start assures no overshoot •-40° to +125°C operation
Contact details: Ph: 408-432-8888; www.intersil.com
India distributor: Avnet India Pvt Ltd
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Model: ML-MD 1815, Brand: Melcon, Product: LED driver; Manufacturer: Melux Control Gears P Ltd, India
Launched in December 2012, these compact triac-based leading/trailing edge dimmable LED drivers are suitable for lower voltage LED lights. They deliver up to 24 W of power to the LED with an output voltage of up to 48 V DC. With the highly compact dimensions of 110 x 65 x 30mm (LxWxH) for LED downlights/panel lights/LED tube light applications, LED drivers make LED lighting installations easier.
Key features
Built-in over-voltage auto recovery shutdown feature •Universal AC input 90~264 V AC 50/60Hz •Operating temperature range: -20°C ~60°C •High power conversion efficiency> 80 per cent •Protection: OTP / SCP /OVP •Fully isolated case design •Class II power design without earth pin
Contact details: Ph: +91-20-32938618; [email protected]; www.melconindia.com
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Model: NSIC20XX, Brand: ON, Semiconductor, Product: LED driver, Manufacturer: ON Semiconductor, USA
Launched in December 2012, NSIC20XX series of constant current drivers offers a maximum voltage rating of 120 V, 3 W and is capable of withstanding the high peak voltages of alternating current (AC) off-line HBLED lighting applications, including digital signage systems, lighting panels and decorative illumination.
Key features
•Self-biased transistor (SBT) technology enables current regulation over a very wide voltage range •These devices do not require the specification of any external components; they can serve as either high or low side regulators •NSIC2020BT3G, NSIC2030BT3G and NSIC2050BT3G have a steady state current capability of 20 mA, 30 mA and 50 mA, respectively •The devices turn on immediately and reach 45 per cent regulation with an anode-cathode voltage (Vak) of just 0.5 V applied •Designed to be thermally robust, and support a junction temperature range of −55°C to +175°C. The models are also UL94-V0 certified.
Contact details: Dan Huettl, general manager and senior director, small signal products; Ph: 1-602-244-6600; [email protected]; www.onsemi.com
India distributors: Arrow Electronics India Pvt Ltd, Avnet and Future Electronics
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Model: GP-HS series, Brand: GP, Product: LED drivers, Manufacturer: GlacialPower
Launched in December 2012, these LED drivers are used for lower voltage LED lights and deliver up to 16.8 W of power to the LED with an output voltage of up to 42 V DC. The drivers also include a 3-in-1 dimmable (1-10 V/PWM/resistor) function. With the highly compact dimensions of 110 x 35 x 25 mm (LxWxH), these LED drivers make LED lighting installations easier. With a power conversion efficiency rate of up to 83 per cent, these LED drivers connect low power consumption with a very compact size.
Key features
Fully isolated case design enables an operating temperature range of -20°C to 60°C, which means that these LED drivers can be used in most environments •With IP67 approval, over-temperature protection (OTP) and short-circuit protection (SCP), these drivers are highly secure •Universal AC input of 90 ~ 264 V AC •Fully isolated case and Class II power design without earth pin
Contact details: Ph: +886 2 8242-2210; [email protected]; www.glacialpower.com
India distributors:x ARGOS International Marketing Pvt Ltd
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Model: LT3763, Brand: Linear Technology, Product: LED controller, Manufacturer: Linear Technology, USA
Launched in October 2012, the LT3763 is a fixed frequency, synchronous, step-down DC/DC controller designed to accurately regulate output currents up to 20 A. The average current mode controller maintains inductor current regulation over a wide output voltage range from 0 V to 55 V.
Key features
Accurately controls input and output current •3000:1 true colour PWM(tm) dimming •±1.5 per cent voltage regulation accuracy •±6 per cent current regulation accuracy
•6 V to 60 V input voltage range •Wide output range of up to 55 V •
Contact details: Ph: 408-432-1900; www.linear.com
India distributors: Arrow Electronics India Pvt Ltd and New Horizon Electronics
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Model: TLD73xxEK, Brand: Infineon, Product: LED driver, Manufacturer: Infineon Technologies AG, Germany
Launched in October 2012, TLD73xxEK LIN LED driver family makes it possible to implement attractive multi-colour ambient lighting based on RGB (red-green-blue) blending to produce a broad range of interior colours with predefined colour points. The integrated local interconnect network (LIN) transceiver reduces wiring requirements by 25 per cent, while pre-programmed control of blending and dimming means no additional software development is necessary by the system manufacturer. The driver family includes four different members which vary by output current and LIN compliance according to the LIN 2.1 and SAE J2602 standards.
Key features
Each family member combines logic, memory, LIN interface and a three channel linear current source or three external driver stages in one device •To achieve predefined colour points for multiple RGB modules, the integrated memory stores calibration points for up to 16 colours •The driver family uses a proprietary solution for colour mixing, which allows flicker-free light output as the LEDs are driven with a high frequency signal
Contact details: Ph: +49-800-951951951; www.infineon.com
India distributors: Infineon Technologies India
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Model: SSL2129A, Brand: NXP, Product: LED controller, Manufacturer: NXP Semiconductors, The Netherlands
Launched in October 2012, SSL2129A is a highly efficient GreenChip controller IC, which offers dimming performance measured in compatibility per watt, for a single-stage mainstream LED driver application. Its straightforward approach also allows the application to remain compact (GU10/PAR16) and highly cost-effective, with a high power factor (PF) of more than 0.9. SSL2129A is designed for use with an external MOSFET and can be configured in both buck (non-isolated) and flyback (isolated) topologies, for 100-120 V and 230 V mains supply voltages.
Key features
Compact, single-stage LED driver solution reducing eBOM costs •Benchmark dimmer compatibility per watt •Controller-only SSL driver IC for both non-isolated and isolated topologies •Designed for retrofit lamps from 4 to 25 W •High efficiency and high power factor (PF >0.9)
Contact details: Ph: +31-40-27 29960; www.nxp.com
India branch: NXP Semiconductors India Pvt Ltd
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Model: MSL3080/86/88, Brand: Atmel, Product: LED driver, Manufacturer: Atmel Corporation, USA
Launched in October 2012, MSL3080/86/88 LED drivers are ideal for industrial LCD backlighting applications such as instrumentation, medical electronics, avionics, military, kiosk, automotive and rugged displays. These LED drivers also feature proprietary control schemes and robust designs that deliver greater than 92 per cent power efficiency for up to 20 W LED backlit LCD displays.
Key features
When combined with AVR microcontrollers (MCUs), the MSL3080/86/88 LED drivers provide an unprecedented degree of flexibility, comprehensive fault and system monitoring, as well as an over 5000:1 PWM dimming range for the most demanding applications •Automatic string phasing that enables low electromagnetic interference (EMI) and eliminates audible noise • The drivers offer video sync input for applications that require synchronisation with LCD refresh, such as small televisions and monitors, eliminating waterfall noises and ghosting effects •Allows designers to operate the internal current sinks in parallel for higher LED currents, up to 480 mA
Contact details: Ph: 408-436-4270; [email protected]; www.atmel.com
India branch: Atmel India
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Model: RACD series, Brand: Recom, Product: LED drivers; Manufacturer: Recom Lighting, Germany
Launched in September 2012, RACD100 and RACD150 series of LED drivers are perfect for indoor and outdoor applications, whether they are running on 115V AC, 230V AC or even up to 277V AC.
Key features
RACD150 series is a 150 W fully sealed IP67 LED driver with an extended universal input voltage range of 90-305VAC, and a constant current output from 6.3 A to 3.2 A at voltages from 24 V up to 48 V •RACD100 series offers 100 W of power with the same universal input voltage range and IP67 rating, but with constant current output from 8.3 A to 2.1 A at voltages from 12 V up to 48 V •Both series feature dual mode operation for either constant current or constant voltage, making them suitable for driving LEDs directly or via local constant current DC/DC modules directly on the light engine board •The converters operate with full load efficiencies of more than 90 per cent, feature active PFC with power factors exceeding 0.98, and are fully protected against short circuit, open circuit, overload and over temperature conditions
Contact details: Stephan Wegstein, head, marketing and sales, Ph: +49 (0)6102-88381-0; [email protected]; www.recom-lighting.com
India distributors: Arrow Electronics India Pvt Ltd, Avnet, Mouser Electronics, element 14, Digi-Key and RS Components India
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