-- Extends dimming ratio up to 500:1
-- Maximizes lamp life and efficiency
-- Controls electromagnetic interference
IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 6, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of analog and mixed signal integrated circuits, has expanded its portfolio of patented controllers used to power cold cathode fluorescent lamps, with a cost-reduced device optimized for automotive and industrial display applications.
Designated the LX1696, the new integrated circuit is a third generation direct drive controller utilizing an advanced full bridge resonant inverter topology that can provide a dimming ratio of up to 500:1. Wide-range dimming is a significant safety requirement for automotive displays, to compensate for ambient light that varies from daylight to nighttime driving.
"Microsemi's patented CCFL lighting technology has set the standard in automotive display applications for many years," said Paul Bibeau, Sr. Vice President and General Manager of Microsemi's Integrated Products Group. "The capabilities we perfected to handle the extreme dimming and temperature requirements found in the automotive environment are equally valued in many industrial applications," he added, "including the ability to eliminate flicker at low-light conditions."
The LX1696 controller is based on Microsemi's resonant full bridge topology that provides near-sinusoidal waveforms over a wide supply voltage range, maximizing CCFL lamp life, controlling EMI emissions and maximizing efficiency.
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 by either analog or digital techniques, or a combination of both that greatly extends the dimming range.
To accommodate easy design-in, the LX1696 can handle inverter applications from 7 to 22 volts and is compatible with existing transformers. Integrated gate drivers are included for four external MOSFETs and an integrated 4V low dropout regulator greatly simplifies supply voltage requirements.
The LX1696 controller, which comes in a 20-pin TSSOP extended temperature range package, is available for immediate sampling. Technical information is available on the Microsemi web site, http://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 LX1696 is $2.58.
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; 5,930,121; 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, reliability and 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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