Infineon adds LED drivers to energy-saving range

The BCR320 and BCR420 product ranges address the market for energy-saving and environmentally friendly light-emitting diode (LED) lighting solutions.

Designed for driving 0.5W LEDs with a typical current of 150 to 200mA, these LED drivers feature a negative thermal coefficient, contributing to a long lifetime of LEDs and a digital interface for a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal for dimming.

The BCR320 and BCR420 LED drivers are tailored to address deficiencies for 0.5W LED applications, providing a low-cost solution with a small form factor.

With both devices, the use of inductors, capacitors and free-wheeling diode can be avoided.

The elimination of electrolytic capacitors can also contribute to the extended lifetime of the LED system.

The BCR320 products are designed for a peak output current of up to 300mA.

For continuous operation, a maximum nominal current of 250mA is recommended.

While this device has an internal breakdown voltage of typically 20V, it can be operated at supply voltages of 24V or higher, since the driver is operated in series with the LEDs.

The BCR320 is targeted at general lighting, architectural and mood-lighting applications.

BCR320 devices have a negative thermal coefficient, which means that in case of temperature increase the current is lowered with a slope of 0.2 per cent/K.

The BCR320U and BCR321U versions are available in a SC-74 package (2.9 x 2.5 x 1.1mm) with 1W power dissipation.

The BCR320P and BCR321P types will be offered in a SOT-223 package (6.5 x 7.0 x 1.6mm), providing a higher power dissipation of 2W.

These versions both offer a logic-level input for dimming.

The BCR420 products have a higher internal breakdown voltage and a lower output current than the BCR320 devices.

The internal breakdown voltage is typically 50V and the nominal output current is 150mA.

The BCR420 LED drivers are intended for use in similar applications for a maximum drive current of 150mA.

Qualification for use in automotive applications, based on AECQ 101 certification, is ongoing.

BCR420 and BCR421 products are available in SC-74 package - BCR421 is the dimmable version with a microcontroller interface.