Integrated controller simplifies power design for smart devices

By Gina Roos, editor-in-chief

Designed for high-voltage converters up to 8 W, the STMicroelectronics’ VIPer222 controller offers a small size and low cost for smart-device applications, including home appliances, building automation, smart lighting, and smart meters. The VIPer222 is the first in ST’s highly integrated controller family to contain a 730-V avalanche-rugged power stage for greater reliability.

Thanks to integrated features including an error amplifier, current-sensing MOSFET, and high-voltage startup circuitry, the rugged VIPer222 can be used in a variety of converter topologies. These include non-isolated flyback converters, isolated flyback converters with primary-side regulation or secondary-side regulation using a photo-coupler, buck converters, and buck-boost converters.

Key features include short-circuit protection, thermal protection, pulse-skipping protection, soft start, and circuitry to manage burst-mode operation for enhanced efficiency at light load.

The device also includes several features that minimize the external bill of materials (BOM) and simplify the converter design. These include a wide operating voltage (VCC) range of 4.5 V to 30 V, which allows the device to be powered whatever the desired output voltage is. The low startup voltage of 30 VDC allows a wide input voltage range and eases starting at low supply voltages.

In addition, the VIPer222’s light-load power consumption of less than 40 mW simplifies meeting eco-design guidelines, said the company, and the jittered PWM controller allows the use of small filter components.

Available now, the VIPer222 is available in a 5 × 4-mm SSOP10 package.