Ballast control IC reduces component count, simplifies circuit design

Available in an 8pin SO-8 package, the new IRS2526DS is designed to reduce component count, simplify circuit design and increase efficiency. It features a 600V half bridge control circuit working at 50% duty cycle and variable frequency for driving the resonant mode lamp output circuit. The oscillator is controlled by a single analogue to frequency input pin used to set the different operating frequencies of the ballast. Complete fault protection circuitry is also included for protection against such conditions as mains interrupt or brown out, lamp non strike, lamp filament failure and end of life. In addition, the new device incorporates an internal frequency dither to reduce conducted EMI, ignition control to reduce inductor size, and end of life detection. "The IRS2526DS IC differs greatly from alternative approaches because it packs additional features and functionality not found in other solutions in an 8pin package," commented Tom Ribarich, IR's director, Lighting Systems and Applications, Energy Saving Products business unit. "It is very easy to use and enables customers to significantly speed up their design time to develop a highly efficient electronic ballast lighting solution." The IRS2526DS is the third generation ballast IC from IR and contains many of the features found in the previous generation Combo8 module. It is targeted at applications that do not require pfc or utilise an external pfc controller.