-- Maximizes CCFL lamp life and efficiency -- Lowers system costs -- Enhances uniform display brightness
IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 10, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC) a leading manufacturer of analog and mixed signal integrated circuits, has introduced a next generation controller optimized for inverters that power cold cathode fluorescent lamps used in multi-lamp LCD television displays.
Designated the LX1692, the new controller expands Microsemi's portfolio of cost-reduced direct drive designs that utilize an advanced full bridge resonant inverter topology. It allows dimming ratios from 3:1 up to 60:1, suited for various LCD TV designs. The new controller also has been optimized to enhance uniform display brightness in TV applications.
"We have already begun volume shipments to customers who provide inverters to major LCD TV manufacturers that include LG, Philips and Samsung," said Paul Bibeau, Sr. Vice President and General Manager of Microsemi's Integrated Products Group. "While we created the LX1692 specifically for the LCD TV market, it also provides an excellent solution for LCD computer monitors," he added.
While many analysts are projecting the LCD TV market to reach between 60 and 70 million units by 2010, two major LCD TV manufacturers are forecasting substantially more. Samsung expects the market to nearly double in value from $58 billion in 2005 to $100 billion in 2010, with LCD TV units growing to 100 million. At Sharp, executives expect the market to grow to 80 million units in 2008 and to as much as 150 million by 2010. Both companies have invested in LCD panel manufacturing facilities to support this growth. Microsemi has estimated that it owns some 25% of the LCD TV market in units having displays 21 inches or greater.
For the LCD TV market, Microsemi also provides its patented cost-saving technique for balancing lamp current to produce even light from the multiple lamps in LCD TVs, as well as its visible light sensor technology which provides automatic brightness control using feedback approximating the human eye's spectral response.
The LX1692 utilizes a resonant full bridge topology that provides near-sinusoidal waveforms over a wide supply voltage range that can maximize the life of CCFL lamps, control EMI emissions, maximize efficiency, and reduce system costs.
Uniform display brightness is enhanced by the controller's improved current regulation and a feedback feature for multi-lamp configurations.
Safety features limit the transformer secondary voltage and protect against fault conditions including open lamps, broken lamps and short-circuit faults.
Dimming can be controlled three ways: analog control for a 3:1 ratio, digital control for 20:1 dimming, or a combination of both for an expanded 60:1 dimming range.
The LX1692's design accommodates easy design-in since it can handle inverter applications having a wide range of voltage requirements and is compatible with existing transformers.
The LX1692 controller is RoHS compliant and lead-free. It is available in either a 20-pin TSSOP or SOIC package and with an extended industrial temperature range specification. Additional technical information is available on the Microsemi web site, www.microsemi.com.
Samples can be ordered through this site, or from Microsemi sales representatives and authorized distributors. In 10K lot quantities, the unit price for the LX1692 is $2.10.
Microsemi's resonant strike design provides unsurpassed fluorescent lamp striking power combined with highest operating efficiency. All Microsemi CCFL controller designs are protected by U.S. Patents: 5,615,093; 5,923,129; 593,121; 6,198,234; and other patents pending.
About Microsemi Corporation
Microsemi Corporation, with corporate headquarters in Irvine, California, is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of high performance analog and mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors. The company's semiconductors manage and control or regulate power, protect against transient voltage spikes and transmit, receive and amplify signals.
Microsemi's products include individual components as well as integrated circuit solutions that enhance customer designs by improving performance and reliability, battery optimization, reducing size or protecting circuits. The principal markets the company serves include implanted medical, defense/aerospace and satellite, notebook computers, monitors and LCD TVs, automotive and mobile connectivity applications. More information may be obtained by contacting the company directly or by visiting its web site at http://www.microsemi.com.
LX is a trademark of Microsemi Corporation.
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Investor Inquiries: David R. Sonksen, Microsemi Corporation, Irvine, CA (949) 221-7101.
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