Power Integrations, a provider of high-voltage integrated circuits for power conversion, announces the latest application of its innovative power conversion technology, unveiling a simple, ultra-low component count driver circuit for off-line LED lighting. The circuit requires only nine components to deliver 40 mA of current and 0.5 W of output power -- an ideal level for emergency exit signs, nightlights and a variety of other lighting applications. The design, entitled DI-92, utilizes LNK302, a member of Power Integrations’ LinkSwitch-TN family of integrated circuits.

DI-92 is a constant-current LED driver circuit using a non-isolated buck-boost topology. The design’s low component count makes it extremely small, lightweight and inexpensive, with a materials cost of approximately 50 cents (in unit quantities of 10K). The circuit is also environmentally friendly, operating at up to 75 percent efficiency, well above the level achievable with passive designs.

“Solid-state lighting is gaining popularity in applications where long lifetimes and low maintenance are important, such as emergency exit signs, traffic lights and commercial signage,” said Rich Fassler, director of product marketing for Power Integrations. “Another key benefit of LED lighting is energy efficiency, which makes our EcoSmart power conversion technology a natural fit for this market. As the efficiency of solid-state technology increases over time, LEDs will find applications in the general lighting market, presenting an even greater opportunity for Power Integrations’ energy-efficient power conversion ICs.”

The DI-92 circuit design operates across the entire global range of AC input voltages, from 85 V to 265 V. It meets EMI specifications CISPR22B/EN55022B with a margin of more than 8 dB, and is Class II safety-compliant. DI-92 is available for download from the Design Examples page of the Power Integrations website, www.powerint.com/appcircuits.htm.

LNK302, the power conversion IC featured in DI-92, is a member of Power Integrations’ LinkSwitch-TN family of ICs, which are ideal for use in low-power applications not requiring safety isolation. LinkSwitch-TN products integrate a 700 V power MOSFET, oscillator, simple ON/OFF control scheme, frequency jittering to reduce EMI, as well as safety features such as short-circuit protection, hysteretic thermal shutdown and open-loop protection.

More information on LinkSwitch-TN products can be found on the Power Integrations website at www.powerint.com/linktnproduct.htm.

For more information, visit the company's website at www.powerint.com.

For information on global energy-efficiency standards and EcoSmart solutions, visit the Power Integrations Green Room.