NXP Semiconductors N.V. has made available LED driver ICs
for vehicle LED headlights and tail lights/lamps, based
on automotive-qualified technology. The new ASL1010NTK and
ASL1010PHN LED driver ICs integrate functions such as direct
LED temperature feedback, LED fault detection, internal
PWM control for dimming, and short circuit protection -
all on an automotive-qualified analog mixed-signal platform
in an 8/16-pin package. NXP is displaying its new automotive
LED driver IC functionality this week at electronica 2010
in Munich, Germany (Hall A4, Stand 542).
The LED based lighting solutions are prefered by automotive
electric engineers. With today's technology, LED lamps are
finding use in every lighting needs of cars reducing fuel
and battery consumption significantly.
"Demand for LED lighting in the car is growing rapidly,
as carmakers seek to reduce energy consumption and take
advantage of the longevity, styling, faster turn-on times
and color options offered by automotive LEDs. Regulators
are also helping to drive demand - for example, in Europe,
exterior daytime running lights will become mandatory on
all new cars starting in 2011, and car makers are taking
the opportunity to introduce LED-based daytime running lights,"
said Prem Sharma, marketing and business development manager
for automotive SSL driver ICs, NXP Semiconductors. "NXP's
strong heritage in automotive-qualified technology, our
expertise in energy-efficient lighting solutions, and our
customer-focused methodology has enabled us to create a
compact, cost-effective solution optimized for automotive
LEDs."
NXP says the core functionality for driving automotive LEDs
has been integrated into the IC, making the reference design
compact yet flexible enough to be used across different
configurations and numbers of LEDs, without requiring a
redesign of the PCB. As per NXP the integrated design eliminates
redundant functionality across platforms, as well as the
need for an external microcontroller.
Other key features in the NXP automotive LED driver ICs
include:
Temperature feedback to enable control of the temperature
and performance of the LED
Fault detection to enable feedback in the event of an LED
fault
Short circuit protection of the LEDs
Elimination of the LED ripple current without external components
External current selection and PWM programming
Internal PWM generation for dimming LEDs, allowing the same
LED to be used for daytime running lights and parking lights
Under-voltage and over-voltage protection of the LEDs
Small package outline
Availability: Sampling at the end November 2010
At electronica 2010 this week, NXP Semiconductors is also
displaying its latest semiconductor devices for power electronics
application such as lighting, automotive, solar power and
power supplies, as well as smart appliances, buildings and
homes.
Rick Clemmer, president and CEO, NXP Semiconductors said
"At electronica 2010, we will be demonstrating how
NXP is bringing High Performance Mixed Signal technologies
across critical application areas to drive 'eco-engineering'
and reduce power consumption significantly."
