EL SEGUNDO, CA. August 1999 - International Rectifier (IR^®), the power semiconductor experts, now offer 600V IR2159 Dimming Ballast Controller ICs, featuring a new control method of regulating lamp power that eliminates requirements for a current-sensing transformer. These devices offer the high- and low-side gate drives for half-bridge MOSFETs, as well as the most comprehensive set of protection features, guarding against end of lamp life, capacitive mode, brown-out and over-temperature.

The breakthrough architecture at the heart of the IR2159 IC is a novel phase control loop that senses and regulates the phase current of the half-bridge. Only a single pin with an external current-sensing resistor is used to measure all feedback information necessary for pre-heat, ignition, dimming and lamp fault. The result is a closed loop system that offers the simplest architecture for linear dimming ever developed, without requiring a separate current-sensing transformer or precision trimming of the external timing components.

"International Rectifier is expanding its leadership role in the Ballast Controller IC market segment," said David Tam, vice president for Power ICs at IR. "Our first product was the simple self-oscillating half-bridge controller, IR2153, which became the industry standard, followed by the IR2157 which provides flexible oscillator control with comprehensive lamp protection. And now the third member of the family, IR2159, provides the architectural breakthrough to become the industry-leading offering with dimming control."

A Reference Design Kit (IRPLDIM1) of dimming ballast designed to drive a T8 tube is provided to demonstrate the linear dimming capability, ease of design, low component count and full protection modes for the IR2159 IC.

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