LED driver IC saves more than 0.5W in backlighting

5th October 2016

Enaie Azambuja

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Arctic Sand Technologies launched an ultra-high efficiency LED driver targeting Next Gen - Ultra High Definition - Ultrabook platforms. The ARC2C0608 reduces losses in the LED boost by about 50%, resulting in savings of more than 0.5W for high brightness (400NIT) ultra-high-def (UHD) LED backlit displays, all in a very low profile solution size of 1mm or less.

Featuring integrated programmable current sinks and suitable for driving up to six strings of LEDs, the new IC integrates all MOSFETs plus associated control and driver circuitry. With Arctic Sand’s proprietary TIPS architecture, the ARC2C0608 delivers the highest efficiency possible in a compact WLCSP-35 package. .

Arctic Sand IC’s utilises TIPS (Transformative Integrated Power Solution), a patented architecture that effectively reduces dependence on inductance, inherently lowers EMI and ripple and delivers industry-leading power conversion efficiency performance.

In comparison to Arctic Sand’s 94% efficiency – competitors can only deliver a typical efficiency of 80-85% - the ARC2C0608 IC also solves thermal hotspot issues for the LED boost, especially when placed in the LCD panel assembly rather than on the motherboard.

Today, customers often have to use two or even three LED boosts to try and resolve thermal issues in UHD platforms. With the new Arctic Sand IC enables system designers to reduce this to only one LED boost per panel.

ARC2C0608 IC delivers up to 30V output for maximum flexibility in the assignment of LEDs to strings and selection of LED forward voltage. The device achieves up to 12 bits resolution with DC or direct PWM dimming to meet a wide range of applications. LED brightness can be controlled with programmable ramp up/down rate and linear/logarithmic ramp profiles.

Phase-shifted PWM dimming can be selected with the active strings to minimise audible noise. A 1MHz I2C 6.0-compatible serial interface is available to program the brightness, or an external resistor on ISET pin can be used. Extensive fault protection includes Boost over current, output short circuit and over-voltage protection.

Comments Stephen Allen, Vice President Sales & Marketing: “Without reducing platform runtime, highest possible Power Conversion efficiency is absolutely essential for LED backlit UHD displays in order to drive the additional LED’s - additional power draw - required.

Arctic Sand’s technology eliminates the UHD / Battery Runtime tradeoff by saving more than 0.5W in this application. In addition, the Arctic Sand ARC2C0608 delivers this performance in an industry leading low profile package, thus enabling longer platform run-times, thinner platforms, and less heat.”

The ARC2C0608 is sampling now, priced at $1.14 for 1000 piece orders.