Power Integrations Introduces Two New LED Driver ICs

LED driver IC for flicker-free thyristor dimming single-stage power factor correction in solid-state lighting applications with precise constant current output control to dramatically reduce component count for off-line LED drivers

Power Integrations, a leader in high-voltage integrated circuits for energy-efficient power conversion, today announced two single-stage power factor-corrected LED driver ICs for solid-state lighting (SSL) applications that support TRIAC dimming. They are LinkSwitch-PH (suitable for designing isolated power supplies) and LinkSwitch-PL (for designing non-isolated power supplies), both of which enable flicker-free, single-chip TRIAC dimming for illumination similar to incandescent lamps.

Both the LinkSwitch-PH and LinkSwitch-PL product families integrate single-stage power factor correction (PFC) to achieve an SSL lamp with a power factor of 0.9 or higher. The LinkSwitch-PH device uses primary side control technology, eliminating the optocouplers and many auxiliary components commonly used in traditional flyback designs. The non-isolated LinkSwitch-PL design further reduces component count, improving system reliability and reducing bill of materials (BOM). Both device families feature a monolithic design – integrating the controller and MOSFET onto a single die, which reduces component count and eliminates parasitic components between the controller and the power MOSFET, thus greatly simplifying PCB layout. These new LinkSwitch products not only simplify the flyback power supply design, but also increase their efficiency and operate at input voltages up to 305 VAC, so they can be used to develop a wide range of residential and commercial lighting applications worldwide. Single voltage products and universal input products.

LEDs are expected to have a lifetime of more than 50,000 hours when operating within the manufacturer's specified temperature and drive current range. The weakest link in LED lighting systems is the driver circuit because it is often subject to unreliable optocouplers and parasitic capacitance. Power Integrations' unique precision primary side control technology used in LinkSwitch products eliminates optocouplers. Moreover, the new LinkSwitch LED driver IC product family does not require the use of large parasitic capacitance. Designers using LinkSwitch-PL and LinkSwitch-PH to design SSL products can anticipate that the drive's operating life is comparable to its precise control of the LED array.

Bill Weiss, Business Development Manager, Power Integrations Lighting, said: "These two new product families are ideal for designing space-constrained LED drivers in replacement lamps. The LinkSwitch-PH product line is designed to provide isolated power supplies with rated output power. With 50 watts, it is also ideal for designing external LED ballasts commonly used in downlights, architectural lighting, signage, and outdoor lighting . Both of these devices reduce the number and size of BOM components in power systems to increase system reliability. ICs enable designers to increase system efficiency to meet or exceed all regulatory standards including ENERGY STAR and EN61000-3-2."

Samples of the LinkSwitch-PH device are available now in a halogen-free, ROHS-compliant eSIP-7C package, priced at $1.18 and $1.71 each in 10,000-piece quantities. The LinkSwitch-PL IC will be available in August 2010 and will be available in a compact SO-8 and eDIP-12 package. For product data sheets, reference designs, and introductory videos, visit the Power Integrations website at http://

About Power Integrations

Power Integrations is a leading supplier of high voltage integrated circuits for energy efficient power conversion. Power Integrations' technological innovations in high-voltage analog integrated circuits enable small-sized, compact, high-efficiency power supplies for a wide range of electronic products, including AC-DC conversion and DC-DC conversion and LED lighting. High efficiency power supply. Since its inception in 1998, Power Integrations' EcoSmart® energy-saving technology has saved approximately $4.1 billion in standby power and avoided millions of tons of CO2 emissions. The company's Green Space website provides a wealth of information on energy vampires and standby energy issues, as well as comprehensive guidelines on global energy efficiency standards. Due to the environmental impact of EcoSmart technology, Power Integrations shares have been placed under the environmental technology stock index sponsored by Cleantech Group (Amex: CTIUS) and Clean Edge (Nasdaq: CELS). For more information, please visit