Fairchild's smart LED lamp driver IC solves small-space dimming challenges for designers

SAN JOSE, USA: As LED lighting continues to grow in popularity, especially in residential lighting applications, designers are looking for efficient dimming solutions – when compared to TRIAC methods – that also fit within existing sockets. Additionally, these solutions need to work reliably in a small space while providing high efficiency.

To help designers meet this challenge, Fairchild Semiconductor, a leading global supplier of high performance power and mobile products, developed the FL7701 Smart Non-isolated Buck LED Driver with power factor correction (PFC). The device uses a digital technique that allows it to automatically detect the AC input voltage condition, allowing it to create a special internal reference signal that results in high power factor correction.

The FL7701 will also work from a DC input voltage condition, automatically sensing AC versus DC input voltage conditions. The traditional technique of using a transformer in an MR application incurs additional losses with the transformer conversion; this traditional inefficient method can now be replaced using the FL7701 connected directly to a DC or AC off-line input.

The FL7701 combines high functional density in a small form factor that provides designers up to 20 percent lower bill of material (BOM) costs and up to 60 percent board space savings. This combination creates a solution suitable for the space-constrained PCB sizes found in LED lighting applications and supports analog dimming.

The high degree of integration designed into the FL7701 provides the high reliability required to increase the luminary lifespan to more than five years, compared to the three years achievable by current solutions. Reliability is also improved since no electrolytic capacitors for the input, output, or the FL7701 VDD supply are required.

Digital power factor (PF) realization (>0.9) and lower total harmonic distortion (THD), along with the 90 percent electrical efficiency results in increased energy savings for the end system. Combined, these features allow the FL7701 to provide energy savings that meet the most stringent worldwide regulations, such as Energy Star.

Fairchild’s IC design technology results in high power efficiency (>90 percent) and provides high light quality required for residential applications. Available in an SOP-8 package, the FL7701 is ideal for interior decorating/ornamental lights; LED light bulbs or down lights in PAR, Reflector, MR or classic styles E26/E27 or Bi-Pin base, as well as LED lamps for low power lighting fixtures.

Fairchild offers a total solution portfolio for low- (<20W), mid- (20W to 50W) and high- (>50W) LED driver applications. Our highly integrated PWM and PFC controller solutions reduce component BOM counts to enable smaller lamp sizes and eliminate design complexities, while improving overall lighting efficiency. Fairchild’s extensive product portfolio ranges from discrete devices to integrated solutions that contain PFC controllers, high voltage gate drivers and MOSFETs.

With commitment to energy savings and meeting the most stringent regulations, Fairchild has developed innovative products that maximize performance while reducing board space, design complexity and system costs. In addition, Fairchild’s Global Power ResourceSM Center comprised of online tools, FAEs and regional centers staffed by power engineers, is the industry standard for customer design support.