Microsemi's LX1699 Eliminates 20 Percent of Passive Components Required for Notebook CCFL Common Inverter Designs

Microsemi's Highest Efficiency LX1699 Notebook CCFL IC Extends Notebook Battery Life While Cutting Solution Costs


IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 18, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Microsemi Corporation (Nasdaq:MSCC), a leading manufacturer of high performance analog mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, has expanded its portfolio of high-performance CCFL ICs for notebook backlighting applications with the addition of a highly integrated device that simplifies system integration and minimizes the bill of material (BOM) while delivering Microsemi's highest CCFL driver efficiency performance and directly increasing battery life.

"Microsemi is committed to delivering complete backlight management system solutions to support its customers in overcoming the specific challenges of today's notebook market," said Irene Signorino, marketing director at Microsemi. "With a 20 percent BOM reduction targeting our cost-conscious notebook ODMs, the LX1699 is another example of Microsemi's long history of innovation and leadership in backlighting applications."

KEY FEATURES


 * Ultra low sleep current (typically 1uA at 20V and 5uA at 26.5V)
   improves inverter efficiency and extends battery life
 * Wide 6.5V to 26.5V input voltage range supports common inverter
   requirements
 * Programmable digital and analog dimming with DC voltage or PWM
 * Integrated and programmable feed forward line voltage compensation
   manages fast and accurate responses to changes in input voltage
 * Supports Microsemi's PN full bridge configuration and direct
   drive configurations

The LX1699 also delivers the same, robust feature set of the company's most popular notebook CCFL ICs, including:


 * User-programmable lamp operating frequency, burst frequency and
   minimum dimming to meet common inverter platforms
 * Supports critical and necessary Intel(tm) display power saving
   technology (DPST) for system PWM input to adjust brightness as
   a function of video content
 * User-programmable Open Lamp and Load Fault time-outs
 * Ability to detects and shut down in response to all common lamp
   faults to ensure safe operation

The LX1699 builds on Microsemi's fifteen years of backlighting innovations, spanning a patent history that includes many fundamental inventions such as United States patents 5,615,093; 5,923,129; 593,121; 6,198,234; 6,307,765; 7,242,147; 7,294,971; and 7,250,731, as well as other patents pending. In addition to enhancing Microsemi CCFL IC offerings, the new controller can be paired with Microsemi's high-performance Visible Light Sensors for automatic panel brightness control that matches the human eye spectral response (Best Eye technology). This technology will allow optimal end user experience while extending lamp life and battery life of demanding portable notebook applications.

Pricing and Availability

The LX1699 is in volume production in a ROHS-compliant 4mm x 4mm 20-pin micro leadframe quad (MLPQ) package. Pricing in 100,000 unit quantities is $0.68. Datasheet, application notes and evaluation boards are available by contacting a Microsemi sales representative: http://www.microsemi.com/contact/contactfind.asp. Additional information is available on Microsemi's website: http://www.microsemi.com.


 Attachments:
 Figure 1: (typical application circuit) -
 http://www.microsemi.com/PRImages/LX1699_Block_Diagram.pdf

 Figure 2: (device image) -
 http://www.microsemi.com/PRImages/LX1699_Photo.jpg

About Microsemi

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 website at http://www.microsemi.com.

The Microsemi Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1233

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