Dimming ballast control ICs deliver greener energy-saving lighting

Dimming ballast control ICs, such as the IRS2530D DIM8™ and IRS2158D from International Rectifier can unlock a further 30% of energy savings from Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) by allowing dimming to 10% or below.

The IRS2530D DIM8 is delivered in a very low-cost 8-pin package and allows dimming to 10% of the lamp’s maximum output. Only small external components are required, delivering a competitive solution to replace inefficient incandescent bulbs. A single high-voltage pin senses the half-bridge current and voltage to perform necessary ballast protection functions. The dimming-voltage reference and lamp-current feedback are combined allowing a single pin to be used for dimming.

Optimised for applications requiring dimming levels below 10%, the IRS2158D includes protection against failure to strike, filament failure and end-of-life failure, thereby accommodating T5-lamp and multi-lamp ballasts. Extra features include programmable dead time, closed-loop ignition-current regulation and an external Shutdown pin.

Reference designs are available for both devices: The IRPLDIM4E, IRPLDIM5E, IRPLCFL8U are multi-level dimmable ballasts using the IRS2530D. The IRPLDIM3 is a wide linear ballast built with the IRS2158D.

 

FEATURES Integrated half-bridge driver Integrated bootstrap diode Programmable pre- heat time Internal crest-factor protection (IRS2530D)

APPLICATIONS Industry-standard CFL lamps Three-way CFL systems Multi-level lighting

 

 

International Rectifier / IRS2530D / IRS2158D