Digital PFC controller ICs from Cirrus aims to replace analog PFC ICs

Cirrus has unveiled the CS1500 and CS1600, digital power factor correction (PFC) controller ICs, which it claims aids power supply and lighting ballast system designers with improved performance and simplified designs compared to legacy analog PFC products. Cirrus also says that both ICs are priced on par with analog PFCs, while also lowering the overall bill of materials by up to $0.25.

PFCs are used for various electronic applications around the world. According to Cirrus the new digital PFCs feature an improved design and thus can deliver high performance to meet market demands ahead of analog PFCs , which are nearing the end of their capabilities.

These PFC ICs implement the EXL Core architecture. Cirrus says that the CS1500 and CS1600 have the advantage over analog products of being able to intelligently solve increasingly complex power management challenges. These ICs also feature a digital noise shaping technology, which enables reduced-sized EMI filters. It can operate efficiently in all load conditions and reduces the external component count by 30% according to Cirrus.

"Global regulations for power efficiency will become increasingly more challenging long term, and we expect a transition in the PFC market away from analog and into digital PFC products, just as the digital transition has transformed many other markets," said Linnea Brush, senior research analyst, Darnell Research.

"We're bringing disruptive digital technology to applications that are currently dominated by analog solutions," said Jason Rhode, president and chief executive officer, Cirrus Logic. "Until today, no one has been able to develop a digital PFC controller that offers both performance improvements and cost savings compared to analog-based PFCs."

"Looking ahead, we're developing a strong roadmap of digital energy control products, focusing on solving real-world challenges through innovative signal processing technologies in new markets that will help drive our long-term growth," Rhode added.

Package: 8-pin SOIC

Price: It is priced at US$.30 for quantities of 1,000,000.

Availability: Now