New Industry Products

LED Driver Features 3-Level Toggle Dimming and PFC with Low System BOM Count and Cost

January 15, 2013 by Jeff Shepard

O2Micro International Limited extended the company's Free Dimming(TM) technology and Lighting product portfolio with the introduction of the OZ8022T LED driver controller with 3-level toggle dimming and power factor correction (PFC). Similar to O2Micro's OZ8022A, OZ8022B and OZ8022M LED driver controllers, the OZ8022T provides three-step analog dimming using any ordinary non-dimming on/off switch and supports non-isolated applications. In addition, the OZ8022T integrates PFC, achieving high power factor and very low THD over a wide input voltage range to meet both residential and commercial regulatory requirements.

The OZ8022T is a highly optimized quasi-resonant controller for non-isolated buck converter applications. The device features the highest level of integration, reducing the system level driver bill of material (BOM) cost and count to industry leading levels. The built-in high voltage start-up circuit provides fast start-up operation and further reduces the BOM count.

The OZ8022T supports universal 85V to 265V operation, enabling one LED bulb to address the global marketplace. High efficiency greater than 85% reduces energy consumption and thermal management complexity. Integrated over-temperature, over-voltage, cycle-by-cycle current limiting, LED open circuit and LED short circuit protection and maximum gate drive output clamp provide safe and reliable operation. Excellent LED current regulation ensures consistent lumen output, regardless of varying line input conditions.

O2Micro's patented Free Dimming technology enables LED bulbs to dim using any on/off switch, thus eliminating cost, installation and compatibility issues associated with traditional incandescent dimmers. Free Dimming technology works with any on/off switch, including wall toggles, paddle switches, pull cords, rotary switches and other types of on/off switches commonly found on walls, extension cords and table/desk lamps.

According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), there are over 4.4 billion medium, screw-based light sockets in the U.S. Yet, according to industry estimates, there are only 150 million incandescent dimmers representing an enormous, untapped market opportunity for O2Micro's Free Dimming technology, which is inherently simple and works with any non-dimming on/off switch.

The OZ8022T is available in cost effective 8-pin SOP or 16-pin QFN packages and is in high volume production now. Samples and evaluation boards are available now for qualified customers.