Microsemi expands LED driver portfolio with new high-efficiency boost converter

Aug. 23, 2004
Microsemi Corp. has announced a new high-efficiency dual mode boost controller for powering LEDs in handheld battery-powered display applications that include pagers, cell phones, digital cameras and PDAs.

Designated the LX1994™, the new step-up boost controller uses an advanced dual PFM architecture design that readily accommodates the most efficient operation for either light or heavy current applications. Its dual mode pulse frequency modulation (PFM) architecture saves costs and conserves board space.

"The LX1994's design has many enhancements, including integrated over-voltage protection, logic controlled shutdown, amplitude independent pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming and a built-in light sensor interface," said Paul Bibeau, vice president and general manager of Microsemi's Integrated Products Group.

Use of an external N-Channel MOSFET allows maximum design-in flexibility for application cost/efficiency tradeoffs. The light sensor interface allows easy addition of automatic brightness control of LED displays and increased system battery life when teamed with Microsemi's visible light sensors, such as the LX1971™ and LX1972™.

The LX1994 driver is available in a choice of two 3mm square 10-pin surface mount packages: the space-saving micro lead MLP package and the standard lead MSOP package. Both versions are available for immediate sampling and delivery, with 10K quantity pricing at $0.63 for the MLP and $0.61 for the MSOP version.