Date: 26/03/2012

Design 2% dimmable CFT lamps using NXP CFL driver Ics

NXP Semiconductors N.V. has launched its next generation of CFL driver ICs, the UBA2026x and UBA2027x offer flicker-free deep dimming down to 2 percent. The UBA2026x and UBA2027x also accelerate warm-up times to full brightness up to a factor of five, and offer greater compatibility with existing triac- or transistor-based wall dimmer switches.

"The UBA2026x and UBA2027x families represent a significant lead ahead for compact fluorescent lighting. By directly addressing the issues that have previously discouraged the uptake of dimmable CFLs, such as flicker and slow warm-up times, we are helping to deliver both a better lighting experience for the consumer and a more attractive retail proposition for stores. Energy-efficient bulbs have long been viewed as delivering inferior performance compared to incandescents - these new ICs will enable manufacturers and retailers to change that perception once and for all," said Ryan Zahn, general manager, lighting solutions product line, NXP Semiconductors.

The NXP UBA2026x and UBA2027x driver ICs are being adopted by leading manufacturers such as Ningbo Baishi, which announced EU Stage 5 CFL qualification for non-dimmable compact fluorescents .

Both the UBA2026x and UBA2027x devices also feature a unique boost function which addresses the problem of bulbs taking an excessive length of time to achieve full brightness. By increasing power for up to three minutes after the bulb is switched on, the warm-up time to full brightness can be accelerated by a factor of five - a key feature enabling manufacturers to meet or exceed the latest Super CFL specifications, as well as forthcoming requirements for ENERGY STAR and the EU Ecodesign regulations.

Lamps based on these ICs can reach lifetimes well above standard CFL expectations, with over 15,000 hours of use and up to 100,000 on/off switching cycles.

Both the UBA2026x and UBA2027x families are available immediately, and include dedicated devices for 120V and 230V supplies. These ICs come in an SO20 package and incorporate half-bridge MOSFETs, offering very high integration for bulbs up to 18 W. Each family is also available in an SO16 package, allowing makers to add two external NMOS power FETs for greater design flexibility or higher bulb powers.