Date: 30/11/2009

0.5W, low cost linear LED driver ICs from Infineon

Infineon has introduced the BCR320 and BCR420, new members of low cost linear LED driver family that extends the energy efficient lighting IC portfolio. The BCR320 and BCR420 are designed to drive 0.5W LEDs with a typical current of 150mA to 200mA, and features a negative thermal coefficient contributing to a long lifetime of LEDs and a digital interface for a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal for dimming.

With both devices, the usage of inductors, capacitors and freewheeling diode can be avoided for PCB design. The elimination of electrolytic capacitors extends lifetime of the LED system.

The key features of the BCR320 LED driver are,

Continuous output current up to 250mA with external resistor
Supply voltage up to 24V
Digital PWM input up to 10kHz frequency (BCR321U)
Up to 1W power dissipation in a small SC74 package
Negative thermal coefficient reduces output current at high temperatures
Easy paralleling of drivers to increase current

The key features of the BCR420 LED driver are,

Continuous output current up to 150mA with external resistor
Suitable for supply voltages of 40V and above
Low side current control, µC compatible
PWM input (BCR421U) up to 10kHz
Up to 1W power dissipation in a small SC74 package
Negative thermal coefficient reduces output current at high temperatures
Easy paralleling of drivers to increase current

The suggested applications for the both BCR320 and BCR420 LED drivers include architectural LED lighting, channel letters for advertising, LED strips for decorative lighting, retail lighting in fridge, freezer case and vending machines, and emergency lighting (e.g. steps lighting, exit way signs etc.)

Package:
BCR320: SC-74 package (2.9mm x 2.5mm x 1.1mm) with 1W power dissipation
BCR420: SC-74 package

Price:
BCR320 and BCR420: In quantities of a few thousand units, price ranges between Euro 0.18 and Euro 0.23 ($0.25 and $0.32) per unit

Availability:
Volume production of the BCR320U and BCR420U LED drivers has started

For more details visit www.infineon.com/leddriver