Date: 17/07/2009

Supertex' buck mode LED driver IC for solid-state lighting applications

Supertex has launched buck-mode LED driver IC HV9918 with hysteretic current control and high-side current sensing. It is designed for solid-state lighting applications, such as low voltage industrial and architectural LED lighting, signage or decorative lighting, indicator or emergency lighting, and a general-purpose constant current source.

The hysteretic control function of the HV9918 drives constant current to the LED string even during input voltage fluctuations. LEDs are proven to be more reliable and long lasting when driven by a constant current than by a direct voltage source. It drives loads of up to 1.0A at over 90% efficiency with +/-5% current accuracy from input voltages of 4.5 to 40V. The IC also features an embedded FET for cost and parts count reduction in solid-state lighting applications.

"Supertex's HV9918 provides fast transient load response and eliminates the need for feedback-loop compensation," states Ahmed Masood, Vice President of Marketing for Supertex. "With its built-in switching FET, this device reduces overall system cost and board space while delivering accurate current control for LED lighting applications."

Package: HV9918K7-G: 8-Lead DFN package

Price: Each $0.68 in 1K pieces