Digital LED driver ICs enable flicker-free dimming

Digital LED driver ICs enable flicker-free dimming

Targeting 100-V/230-Vac dimmable LED lighting applications, the iW3612 (25-W) and iW3602 (10-W) LED driver ICs are pin compatible with the previous-generation iW3610, but offer wider dimmer compatibility and introduce new hot-plug support, where the user can swap the LED engine without recycling the input power for the LED driver. The parts are basically ac/dc digital PWM controllers and are unique because they feature a digital feedback and control loop versus analog. This adaptive digital control technology optimizes efficiency and reliability, and simplifies PCB design.

The devices allow smooth, flicker-free dimming from 1% to 100% with tight 5% LED current regulation which prevents flicker from noisy line voltage. Primary-side-control technology to eliminate the optocoupler, built-in frequency jitter and quasi-resonant switching to reduce EMI, and a high switching frequency up to 200 kHz combine to enable designers reduce component count, driver size, and bill of materials (BOM). Eliminating the optocoupler can also lengthen the life of the LED driver assembly. (Ea/1,000: iW3602, $0.84; iW3612, $0.98 — available now.)

iWatt , Los Gatos , CA
Information 408-374-4200
www.iwatt.com