Nov 1 2007
Microsemi Corporation, a leading manufacturer of analog and mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, has announced the addition of two new series to its benchmark portfolio of backlight inverters for powering displays that use a single cold cathode fluorescent lamp.
The new LXMG161xA(tm) and LXMG181x(tm) series are designed to drive CCFL backlight units in a wide variety of 4-inch to 12-inch TFT LCD displays that are driven by single lamps.
The LXMG161xA Series, which includes the LXMG1617A(tm) and LXMG1618A(tm) inverters, is based on Microsemi's highly integrated LX1691B(tm) backlight controller. It provides a wider dimming range (typically 100:1+) and wider temperature range (-30 degrees C to 80 degrees C) compared to previous Microsemi single-lamp solutions.
The LXMG161xA Series has been designed with identical outline dimensions and similar specifications that allow easy upgrading of customer applications based on Microsemi LXMG1617/1618(tm) inverters, which will not be recommended for new designs.
The "A" Series is designed for 3.3V, 5V and 12V input supply voltage, and for a wide variety of lamps having maximum power ratings of 2W, 4W and 6W. The modules mate directly with standard BHR-03VS-1 and BHSR-02VS-1 panel connectors, or their equivalents.
The new LXMG181x Series, Microsemi's high performance single lamp backlight solution, provides highly-integrated inverter modules. Customers can chose the inverters alone, or with the industry-first VEasyLIT(tm) kits, that allow easy plug-n-play integration of Microsemi's benchmark visible light sensor technology for automatic dimming of displays.
A key benefit of LXMG181x inverters is their extreme flexibility. Users will select from four part numbers and will be able to drive an extremely wide range of lamps having diverse input supply voltages and characteristics.
This versatility and advanced lighting capabilities make them ideal for applications typically found in medical and industrial markets where multiple panels are continuously selected for new projects. Users can keep their parts list of needed inverters to a minimum, but still have maximum flexibility in the choice of panels to be driven.
"Microsemi has a long tradition of providing the industry with the best available lighting technology," said Steven Litchfield, Executive Vice President and Group President of Microsemi's Analog Mixed Signal Group. "These two new series, based on some of our latest backlight controller integrated circuits and visible light sensors, typify how we continuously enhance the Microsemi lighting portfolio."
Like all Microsemi backlight driver designs, the new modules feature proprietary stable fixed-frequency operation, secondary-side strike voltage regulation and both open/shorted lamp protection with fault timeout. PanelMatch(tm) circuitry permits easy external programming of output current, a feature allowing all Microsemi modules to fit a wider range of displays, thus simplifying the supply chain of OEM and integrator customers.
All new modules are RoHS compliant and are UL-certified components to UL60950 (file E175910).
The two new series will include 33 part numbers, including the new LXMG1800_LS(tm) visible light sensor daughter board used in the VEasyLIT kits. Samples on most of the new parts are available immediately, with high volume production beginning in January 2008.
Pricing is set between $31 and $34 in small quantities of the various versions. Specific information regarding samples, pricing and lead times is available through Microsemi sales representatives and authorized distributors.